15 Jan 2004 - Devon County Council Press Release: Caring North Devon Primary receives more praise for its achievem

A NORTH DEVON primary school which was named one of the best in the West last month has now received more praise from independent education inspectors.

Swimbridge Primary School was highlighted by Schools Minister David Milliband as one of the nation?s 100 top performing schools for the improvement it recorded in pupils'achievement between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Now Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) inspectors have praised the strong team spirit amongst staff and the caring ethos promoted by the school.

They say it has improved steadily since the last inspection in 1999 with standards rising noticeably.

In the last round of Key Stage 2 SATs tests, taken at the end of their primary career at 11-years-old, pupils achieved standards in English, maths and science that were very high and well above average compared both to all schools and similar small schools.

In a separate report on the Church of England school by the Diocese of Exeter, Swimbridge was commended for the respect shown by everyone for everyone.

The Diocesan report said this was 'a strength and delight' of the school.

Headteacher Garry Reed said today 'We are all very encouraged by these reports which acknowledge the dedication and sheer hard work of teaching and non-teaching staff, the motivation of children and support of parents and governors.'

The chair of governors, Anne Hayes, said : 'The governors are very pleased with this good report - but not surprised.'

The Ofsted inspectors spent three days at the 78-pupil school in November and their report has just been published.

Among the other highlights are:
· The school provides a sound education and is efficiently led and managed by the senior managers and governors.
· Pupils behave well, show good attitudes to learning and are respectful, polite and confident due to the school?s good focus on moral and social development.
· Pupils with special educational needs do particularly well because provision for them is so good.
· Strong links with parents and the community are used well to support pupil?s learning.
· The sound curriculum is extended by a range of interesting activities.
· All pupils are cared for and supported well in a Christian environment

In common with almost all Ofsted reports, the inspectors highlight areas for further improvement.

They say the provision, management and teaching for children in the reception class should be improved.

'The school has identified this stage of learning as an area to develop,' say the inspectors.

The report also says the school should extend the opportunities for pupils in the junior classes to increase their independence.