From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, January 23, 2008

PUPILS at an East Devon primary school thrive academically and personally because of the good teaching and care they receive, according to an education inspector.

She rated 30 different aspects of life at Kilmington Primary School as outstanding or good.

"This is a good school where pupils' personal development, including their behaviour, is excellent," she says in a new report by the school standards agency Ofsted.

"The school has a very welcoming atmosphere and pupils thrive both academically and personally. Individual talents are nurtured well and outstanding pastoral leadership promotes high standards of care and a sense of family in which all pupils feel valued."

Children start at the 69-pupil, Devon County Council school with standards which are in line with national expectations.

But good teaching and a stimulating curriculum motivates pupils to want to learn and, by the time they leave at 11, they are achieving above average standards in English, maths and science as the school successfully 'adds value' to their education.

Ofsted inspector Eileen Chadwick spent a day at Kilmington last month and found that parents hold the school in high regard.

One told her: "We have nothing but praise for the school. Our children are extremely happy, settled, making good progress and receiving a broad education."

Ms Chadwick says central to this is the very good leadership of headteacher Malcolm Bettison who is well supported by staff and governors.

A delighted Mr Bettison said today: "The report fully endorses our own view that we are a good school, where the pupils have excellent attitudes to their work and to each other, and have an exciting and enriched start to becoming our successful next generation.

"The children in our care achieve high standards, with the core teaching and learning objectives being targeted on successfully raising the value added progress for all our pupils.

"I am pleased the report fully recognises the hard work put in by everyone in our learning community and especially the dedication of the staff."

The Ofsted report says pupils at Kilmington enjoy school a great deal and this is reflected in their good attendance and high participation rate in the wide variety of after-school clubs and activities.

"They are very happy and have positive relationships with each other and adults in the school," says Ms Chadwick.

"Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding and excellent partnerships with parents, other schools, the local church and community greatly enhance pupils' personal development and sense of belonging. Pupils make a major contribution to the local community."

Ms Chadwick says the school's Foundation Stage is satisfactory. Children are nurtured caringly and their personal development, safety and well-being are given high priority.

She says the school is well placed to get even better in the future and, to do so, it should make sure that work in the basics in Reception is consistently well matched to children's needs and there is smoother tracking from Reception to Year 1.

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: For more information and to arrange pictures, contact Malcolm Bettison on 01297 32762.