From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, April 03, 2007

A SOUTH HAMS primary is celebrating a remarkable transformation after education inspectors praised its outstanding work with pupils.

They said the care, guidance and support which children at Newton Ferrers Church of England Primary School received was outstanding as was their personal development and well-being.

Pupils were achieving above average standards at the age of 11 after starting school with average attainment.

Every other aspect of life at the Devon County Council school was good with outstanding features, according to the inspectors.

The accolade from the school standards agency Ofsted comes just two years after the school came out of the special measures.

Ofsted put Newton Ferrers into special measures in May 2003 because it was failing to give its pupils a satisfactory education.

But under new headteacher Claire Sealey, Newton Ferrers has won a series of plaudits for the way the school was "transformed" and the dramatic improvements in standards.

Now, in its first full inspection for four years, Ofsted concluded: "This is a good school with some outstanding features where the inclusion of all learners is central to the school's ethos.

"Parents are overwhelmingly positive in their appreciation of the outstanding way in which the school cares for, guides and supports their children.

"The head is an outstanding and inspirational leader who has a clear vision for improving standards and achievement and promoting the personal development and well-being of pupils.

"She has created a common sense of purpose amongst both staff and governors who support her well.

"Together they have ensured that the needs of individual pupils have been placed at the heart of school life and that inclusion has been central to the vision of the school."

Two inspectors visited the school last month and their report has just been published.

It praises the pupils' excellent behaviour, attitudes to learning and outstanding community spirit.

Good teaching ensures they are eager and enthusiastic learners and the curriculum is enhanced with a wide range of interesting visitors to school and visits to places of interest for all age groups.

The pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is good and they have an outstanding understanding of right and wrong.

"They are articulate, confident and exceptionally well behaved and have developed excellent relationships with other pupils and adults," says the report.

"They really enjoy school and their attendance is good. Their attitudes to school are excellent and they are extremely enthusiastic about learning and work very hard with a determination to succeed. They are proud of their school and say it is an 'exciting place' and they always feel wanted."

The inspectors say to continue its progress, the school should improve pupils' achievement in maths which is not at such a high level as English and science.

They say the school has already recognised the need to develop pupils' problem-solving skills.

Mrs Sealey said: "I am delighted with this report from Ofsted which is due to the hard work of everyone connected with the school.

"They have all worked together as a team and they can all share in this success - especially our brilliant children.

"We are now determined to celebrate our achievements and continue to reach for the stars, building on our successes."

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: For more information contact Claire Sealey on 01752 872630.