A TAVISTOCK infants' school is celebrating after receiving the highest possible judgement from education watchdog Ofsted.

Following a visit from Ofsted in March, reporting inspector Alex Baxter described St Rumon's Infants as 'an outstanding school'.  

This was the first visit from inspectors since the 123-pupil infants' school federated with St Peter's Junior School in 2008. In his report, Mr Baxter says: 'It is a school with a distinctive, caring family ethos that lies at the heart of the community.  An excellent unity of purpose stems from the inspirational leadership of the executive headteacher.  She receives highly effective support from the head of teaching and learning and other senior managers, including governors.'

Every area of the school's provision inspected was judged outstanding or good. The report says:  'St Rumon's is clearly a school that focuses equally successfully on pupils' academic and personal development.'

Pupils start the school with skills generally below average, but through effective and improving provision in reception get a good start, and progress increases so that by the end of Year 2, pupils generally reach above-average attainment.

In the foundation stage the report says children enjoy learning and in response to effective teaching, behave well and make good progress across areas of learning.

'The way excellent teaching and learning for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those with higher ability, continues beyond the classroom is a noteable feature of this school,' says the report.  'By taking pupils into the community and by dovetailing a regular small group or individual support with normal classroom tuition, staff tackle pupils' particular needs and present "real life" learning which promotes the pupils' oustanding achievement.'

All areas of teaching were judged oustanding, and typified by the warm relationships, says the report: 'Teachers and their assistants consistently praise the pupils' efforts and, in turn, this is appreciated by the pupils who respond with renewed enthusiasm.'

The curriculum is enriched by a very good range of clubs and visits, and literacy, numeracy, scientific enquiry and art are strongly promoted.

Inspectors say the benefits of the federation are already clear; team leadership and staff sharing expertise during training sessions has strengthened provision and monitoring the school's effectiveness.  

The report says executive headteacher Clare Wesson is particularly 'tenacious' in developing exemplary links with the community and outside agencies, to broaden the support and learning opportunities provided for the pupils, and at times, for their parents.

Commenting on the report, Clare Wesson said:  'The "outstanding" judgement from Ofsted is a testament to our progress since becoming a federated school, and we are all absolutely delighted with this accolade.

'We are particularly pleased that our commitment to providing a balance between a quality education and personal development has been recognised, ensuring our pupils have a broad and well-rounded experience in their formative years, and that they progress well in all areas.

'The whole school should feel really proud of this achievement, which is the result of a superb collaboration between teaching and support staff, the leadership team, parents, governors and our partnership with St Peter's Junior school, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their continued commitment to our success.'