A TINY West Devon village school is celebrating a first rate Ofsted report, which confirmed big improvements in standards since the last inspection in 1997.

Ofsted inspectors said the exemplary teaching at Lamerton School, which has just 30 pupils, made a major contribution to the above average attainment of children at the school.

The report stated that almost every lesson inspected at the school was good or very good.

'Standards in English, maths and science have risen steadily to above average overall, because the quality of teaching is good,' said the inspectors.

'Standards in information and communication technology are above average because pupils are taught well and given good opportunities to practise and extend their skills.'

In fact, the school enjoys one of the best ratios of computers to children in the county, with one PC to every three children.

The report found that challenging work given to pupils was well matched to individual needs and that the interesting curriculum successfully encouraged children to behave and get on together very well, work hard and act responsibly.

'The headteacher, governors and staff work together very effectively as a team, and in close partnership with parents, to improve standards in all aspects of school life,' said the inspectors.

The report said well-focussed staff training, very good improvements in assessment procedures and a considerable increase in resources had helped to raise standards throughout the school.

They recommended that children's writing skills should continue to be improved and pointed out that provision for PE is limited due to lack of accommodation at the school.

The recommendations will form part of the governors' action plan for the next few years.

Headteacher Ann Mitchell joined Lamerton as acting head for two terms after Christmas. But she liked the school so much she agreed to take the job permanently after one term.

Mrs Mitchell said: 'I am really pleased the Ofsted inspection has turned out so well — my predecessor contributed a great deal to that in the work that had already been put in.

'The staff are all delighted to have such a good report that reflects the hard work that has gone on in the school.'

Mrs Mitchell said the family atmosphere at Lamerton School had attracted her to stay.

'There is a real work ethos about the place. The behaviour is good, the children are very enthusiastic, there is a good staff team and good support from the governors and parents.

'This is what a school should be. The children work hard and want to learn,' she said.

The school has recently undergone a major facelift and staff are looking to improve provision for PE, highlighted in the Ofsted inspection.

New toys and equipment have been ordered for the youngest pupils at the school and Mrs Mitchell also hoped to increase provision for four-year-olds, who already have school taster sessions before they start full time.

'That's so important to help them settle in,' said Mrs Mitchell, who wants to involve the community with the school.

'We don't have a shop in Lamerton and I want this to be the centre of the community,' she said.

A cyber café has been set up to this end, where anyone from the village can use a computer to access the internet free of charge.

The school is also forging closer links with other small schools in the area, holding joint events with schools at Gulworthy, Milton Abbot and Mary Tavy.