A WEST Devon primary school has been praised for its caring environment, cultural development and friendly nature. Andrew Redpath, inspector for school standards agency Ofsted, spent two days at Winkleigh Primary School earlier this month and has just published his report on the school. It has been praised for creating a safe, happy environment where pupils have been allowed to 'blossom'. However, the report also identifies that academic progress, particularly in English and Maths, in years 3 to 6, needs to be improved. Mr Redpath stated, since the last inspection, there had been staffing difficulties which had affected the quality of teaching and children in years 3 to 6 have not made adequate academic progress. Despite this, the report notes that headteacher Jane Rivans has already begun working with experts from the local authority to improve the situation. Mr Redpath said: 'The leadership has a satisfactory understanding of the school's strengths and has correctly identified areas for improvement. 'The school has introduced strategies which are beginning to raise standards. A good system is in place for measuring pupils' progress in maths and English. 'The school has introduced sharper assessment and is tracking pupils' progress more carefully to help identify areas of learning that need to be improved. As a result, some pupils are making better progress. 'Initiatives that have been introduced recently are beginning to raise standards and demonstrate that the school has a satisfactory capacity for improvement.' 'Pupils enjoy coming to school and their behaviour, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good. Their self-esteem and social skills are promoted very effectively through the Forest School activities and personal, social and health education programme. 'Good enrichment is provided by a range of clubs, sporting activities, musical instrument tuition and residential trips.' Headteacher Mrs Rivans added: 'Naturally I am sorry that Ofsted criticised the progress that some of our older children have made in the past. 'But I am pleased they have recognised the changes we have made and the improved progress that has resulted. 'I am also very pleased that they recognised Winkleigh is a caring school where the children are safe and happy as this is something all the staff strive for.'