Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, September 1, 2008

PUPILS AT AN OUTSTANDING East Devon school make exceptional progress in both their academic and personal development, according to education inspectors.

They say 25 of the 27 areas of school life they judged at Mrs Ethelston's Church of England Primary at Uplyme are outstanding while the remaining two are good.

Academic standards are consistently high and continue to rise and the curriculum incorporates a wealth of stimulating experiences that make learning exciting and enjoyable.

"This is an outstanding school," say the inspectors from the school standards agency Ofsted.

"Excellent teaching and leadership and management help pupils to make exceptional progress in their academic and personal development.

"It has a delightful family atmosphere. There is a strong sense of teamwork with staff, governors, parents and carers working closely together."

Lead inspector Colin Lee said when he asked what was most special about their school, the school council unanimously agreed with the pupil who said it was the way 'everyone cares for everyone else'.

Mr Lee visited Uplyme in July to conduct a short Ofsted inspection, reserved for high-achieving schools, and his report has just been published.

It concludes: "Pupils' achievement is excellent. They make very good progress from the moment they start in the Foundation Stage.

"Their outstanding academic progress and excellent social skills prepare them very well for future stages in their education.

"Pupils not only enjoy their learning in lessons but speak with great enthusiasm about the many clubs and activities outside the school day."

Mr Lee says the children's personal development and well-being is outstanding, their behaviour is excellent and they make a tremendous contribution to the school community.

He praises headteacher Andrea Rice, who was only appointed in January after a spell as acting head.

"She is the driving force behind recent improvements and she receives excellent support from the senior management team," he says. "All staff work closely together in analysing pupils' work, assessing their progress and planning the curriculum.

"The governing body is an excellent source of guidance and support, working closely staff to move the school forward."

He says while the school is already outstanding it has an excellent capacity to get even better.

To help it improve still more, the school should increase the use of target setting in maths and develop pupils' use of specialist vocabulary for different subjects.

Proud headteacher Andrea Rice said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the report as it reflects the exceptional levels of teamwork by the whole school community, staff, parents, governors and, not least, the hard work of the children.

"It recognises our very high standards but also the wide range of

opportunities that enable our children to flourish as individuals.

"As a Church school we are very pleased that our family atmosphere has been recognised and as one child said 'everyone cares about everyone else'. What more could you ask for?

"We are very proud of the report and we are now working on

the next challenges for our school."

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: For more information and to arrange pictures, contact Andrea Rice on 01297 442210.

ends

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

Access to Info | Copyright | Disclaimer | Feedback | Privacy | Security | Website Statistics | Updated 16 Oct 2008