From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, January 29, 2007

AN EXMOUTH primary school where happy pupils achieve good academic standards has been praised by education inspectors.

They say Bassetts Farm is an improving school where older pupils are operating at much higher than average standards of achievement.

The inspectors told staff at the school they were bowled over by the enthusiastic support that Bassetts Farm had from pupils and parents.

One parent told them it was 'crystal clear that each student is valued and supported as an individual'.

Another said the good quality of care 'ensures that children feel confident and secure'.

A pupil wrote: "Bassetts is a good place to be because there are lots of lovely children to make friends with."

Other pupils told them: "Lots of people care for us and look after us."

The inspectors spent two days at the 308-pupil school earlier this month and their report has just been published.

They say the care, guidance and support the school provides for its pupils and their personal development and well-being is good and every other aspect of school life is satisfactory.

"The school has been well led by the leadership team and well backed up by the governing body," say the inspectors.

The quality of education is improving and already having an impact on pupils' progress.

The inspectors say that pupils' attainment when they start school is broadly average. But pupils in Year 6 are operating at a much higher level and are well on the way to achieving the school's highest ever targets in their SATs tests this summer.

"Strong features of teaching throughout the school include very good behaviour management, very effective teaching assistants and good use of interactive whiteboards," they say.

"Pupils' enjoyment of school, enthusiastically endorsed by parents and pupils, is made evident by good attendance and punctuality.

"Almost all pupils are self-assured, well motivated and enjoy school."

They behave well throughout the school and their behaviour is often outstanding.

To improve further, the school should set challenging targets for all year groups, provide a wider range of activities to develop and enrich the curriculum and give pupils more information about how they can improve.

Headteacher Christine Jones said the school was already developing all three areas.

"We are working very hard on making links across the curriculum and developing a more creative approach to learning," she said.

"Overall we were very pleased that the inspectors recognised the exceptional support we receive from parents and the local community and delighted they said we had consistently solid standards, a contented school community and an obviously well run school with a very caring ethos."

Mrs Jones said she was also pleased the inspectors highlighted how the new conservatory would allow the school to provide a better range of activities for the younger children.

Chair of governors, Shirley Cope, told parents: "The inspectors were very impressed by the quantity of replies and the highly positive responses they received. We would like to thank you for this very encouraging support.

"We shall, of course, make continued efforts to improve in all areas of our provision and we can assure you that your children will remain the focus of all that we do."

NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS: For more information and to arrange pictures, contact Christine Jones on 01395 275968