From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, April 03, 2007

STAFF at one of Exeter's newest primary schools have won praise from independent inspectors for the way they have created a happy, safe and caring learning environment.

St Michael's Church of England in Heavitree was the only middle school in Exeter to become a primary when education was reorganised in the city in September 2005.

Most pupils have only been at the school for 18 months and, during their first year, St Michael's was being entirely re-built alongside the old premises.

But the inspectors say parents think highly of the new school.

One parent told them: "This is a very good school with traditional values placed on education." That comment was typical, said the inspectors.

Another parent summed up the feeling of the community when she said: "Staff worked hard to ensure the transition from the old to new building has gone smoothly for the children."

The three inspectors, from the school standards agency Ofsted, spent two days at the Devon County Council school last month and their report has just been published.

They conclude that the personal development and well-being of pupils and their care, guidance and support are all good.

The school's leadership and management, under headteacher Tim Walker, is also good.

"He has given effective leadership during a difficult time of transition from middle to primary and during the upheaval of a new school building," say the inspectors.

They found that pupils in Years 2 and 6 are achieving the expected standards in English and maths and attaining above average results in science.

Pupils enjoy their lessons and are fully involved because they have good pace and their relationships with fellow pupils and their teachers are good.

"They are charming and articulate when talking with visitors," say the inspectors.

The curriculum is a "work in progress" following the change in status but is always satisfactory and is rapidly improving.

The changeover from a middle school curriculum to one for primary children and early years has been successfully managed and there are many enrichment opportunities with high levels of participation.

"Staff are highly committed to pupils' care based on a strong Christian ethos," say the inspectors.

"Pupils are well behaved and have many opportunities to contribute to the school community and beyond.

"The school is well supported by a good governing body."

To improve further, the school should improve boys' writing and increase its monitoring of teaching to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Headteacher Tim Walker said: "This report rightly praises the support the school has had from staff, governors, pupils and their families and the wider community in our change to a primary and our move to our splendid new buildings.

"That has been successfully achieved and we intend to build on the many strengths identified in the report.

"We had already identified boys' writing as an area for improvement and this is a priority for us."

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: For more information and to arrange pictures, contact Tim Walker on 01392 256669.