AN IMPROVING West Devon primary where pupils love coming to school and achieve above average standards has been highly praised by education inspectors. After a short, one-day inspection reserved by Ofsted for high achieving schools, lead inspector Rowena Onions concluded: 'Lifton is a good school that has improved over the last two years and continues to improve.' Ms Onions only looked at specific aspects of life at Lifton and judged both its overall effectiveness and its Foundation Stage to be good. 'Pupils love their school and are very positive about the work they do,' says Ms Onions. 'Parents approve of what is provided for their children.' One parent told the inspector: 'Our school is very friendly with a community feel.' Ms Onions says Lifton is very successful in 'adding value' to its pupils' education. When children start school their attainment is below average but, by the time they leave, they are achieving above average standards in reading, maths and science. 'The staff's successful efforts to enthuse and motivate pupils is a key feature of the good teaching they receive,' says Ms Onions. 'The good curriculum ensures that pupils know how to keep themselves safe, active and well.' She praises new headteacher Kui Holmes who was appointed just over a year ago. 'The new head has made a strong start in leading the school,' says Ms Onions. 'She is developing shared leadership and this is having a positive impact. 'There is very strong governance. Governors have been very proactive in supporting the head and the new leadership style. 'Much time, thought and effort has been put into securing the rise in standards. Good leadership and management has supported and enabled improvement.' To continue the improvement, Ms Onions says the school needs to ensure teachers' marking always explains to pupils what they have done well and how to do even better and helps them to use their academic targets productively. Delighted headteacher Kui Holmes said: 'The report particularly highlights our shared approach as a strong feature of the school. 'I am very proud that the positive relationships of all the children, staff, parents and governors have had such a noticeable impact, not only on raising standards but on the overall effectiveness of the school. 'I look forward to all of us continuing to grow and progress together.' Chair of governors Graeme Barriball said: 'This is an excellent Ofsted inspection, confirming what governors, staff and parents have known for some time — that Lifton is a good school providing a sound learning environment, with a wide variety of extra curricular clubs and activities. 'At Lifton every child is acknowledged as an individual and is encouraged to achieve to the best of his or her ability by our dedicated team of staff. I am very proud of what our school has and will continue to achieve.'
