CHILDREN at a Dartmoor village school thrive in an atmosphere of excellent care with high quality teaching and learning, according to education inspectors.

They rate all aspects of Shaugh Prior Primary School as good or outstanding.

'In several ways, this is a very special little school,' stated a new report from the school standards agency Ofsted.

Ofsted inspector Alex Baxter said all sections of the school agreed with one parent who said: 'I would recommend this school unreservedly as an environment in which children thrive.'

The report says children start school with attainment which is generally below national expectations.

But, because of close links with parents and outside agencies, children are helped to settle from the moment they enter school and they get off to a good start and learn well.

And the school succeeds so well in 'adding value' to their education that, by the time they leave, their skills are broadly average in reading, speaking, maths and science.

'Good teaching and learning are evident across the school,' says the report.

Headteacher Caroline Pitt said : 'The entire school community is absolutely delighted with this report.

'I believe it is a great tribute to the hard work and effort put in by children, staff, parents and governors.

'It is a wonderful place to work with a great team.'