FAIRER funding, traffic management and the importance of playing fields are key issues for a village school described as 'unique' by its headteacher this week.

Exbourne Primary School's new head Julie Luckhurst last week met with Central Devon MP Mel Stride, to discuss the problems affecting the school and to see what improvements have been made by the staff, governors and parents themselves over the last few years.

Mrs Luckhurst said: 'Our pupils have £375 less than most other pupils around the country and if that is restricted any further, being a small school with 42 pupils, that is going to have a big impact on us.'

She said the school could take more pupils but it depended to a certain extent on the numbers coming through the pre-school — and at the moment the pre-school was restricted because it did not have a second toilet.

She said both the pre-school, based at the Methodist chapel, and the school, had no playing fields attached to the premises, but there was a community playing field that they did have access to:

'The problem is that there are no toilet facilities on site so we talked to Mel about a possible community initiative to get these facilities, so the children could use the field more often.

'At the moment when the pre-school goes there they have to use a potty and a windbreak.'

The headteacher said she was also campaigning for the 30mph zone where the children have to cross the road for school to be extended.

'It goes from 60mph to 30mph very close to the school on the main Jacobstowe to Sampford Courtenay Road, and cars do not always slow down quick enough, so it really is an accident waiting to happen,' she said.

'We could also do with some additional signage to let people that there is a school ahead.'

Mr Stride learned about the achievement of the governing body in 2004 in raising £80,000 to enlarge the school through its purchase of the 'School House'.

The dedication and commitment of the governors was now focused on how the primary school could provide opportunity and high quality learning experiences for all, Mrs Luckhurst said.

The increasing trend for schools to federate, to support and manage decreasing budgets, was also a consideration for the governors and community of Exbourne, said the headteacher.

Mrs Luckhurst said: 'Having worked in seven very different schools during my 20 years of teaching, I can recognise Exbourne Primary School as a place which has something unique.

'It's location in the centre of the village makes it a focal point for the community it serves, and this pivotal role makes it a great place to teach and learn.'

She said people were proud of their school and village and she saw herself very much as a custodian: 'The warm welcome I have received from pupils, parents, staff and the community has been fantastic,' she said.

'One of my key goals is to ensure all pupils have access to new opportunities and experiences, and we will particularly be focusing on the development of music and sport in the coming year.

'Active involvement in community activities will also be a central focus as we aim to enhance and maintain the warm, supportive learning environment the school already has.'

Following his visit, Mr Stride told the Times: 'I have been very impressed with the obvious enthusiasm and commitment of the school's new headteacher.

'Julie has many positive ideas about how the school can be developed in the future.

'Our smaller village schools play a vital role in ensuring our villages remain alive and sustainable.'