A WEST Devon primary has won praise from education inspectors for its rapid improvement and the way everyone in the school has a smile on their face. The inspectors highlighted the outstanding enjoyment the children at Hatherleigh Primary demonstrated in learning. And they said their behaviour and their positive contribution to the local community were also outstanding. The inspectors said: 'Excellent behaviour, secure relationships and self-confident pupils are all evident in this lively school. 'Pupils develop highly positive social and moral attitudes. They enjoy school tremendously and say teachers make learning fun.' The inspectors agreed with one pupil who told them: 'You want to come to school in the morning because everyone has a smile on their face.' Two inspectors from the school standards agency Ofsted spent a day at Hatherleigh last month. They arrived just two weeks after new headteacher Caroline Boother had taken up the post. Lead inspector Christine Huard was full of praise for Mrs Boother: 'The headteacher has already established strong relationships with staff and governors and there is a strong commitment to ensure pupils continue to enjoy school and show real enthusiasm for learning. 'She has accurately recognised the key areas for improvement and implemented a new school development plan. 'The school is improving rapidly. It provides a sound education for its pupils in a caring and supportive learning environment. 'The whole school team strives to secure the school's vision "to nurture happy and self-confident children who are inspired to learn, have an open mind and a moral conscience". 'Good teaching ensures pupils are now achieving well in years 1 and 2 and making good progress in years 3 to 6.' 'Children in the foundation class are eager to learn because teaching is lively and interesting.' Ms Huard said that pupils' personal development and well-being and their care, guidance and support were good. She added that to continue its rapid improvements, the school should raise writing standards by improving spelling, punctuation and presentation, ensure skills are taught progressively and reinstate performance management procedures. Mrs Boother said: 'I was very pleased with the report as I was only in my second week here when Ofsted rang to say they were coming. 'Our previous head, Linda Mitchell, was committed to the Every Child Matters agenda and, as a school, everyone is delighted that the personal development of the children has been highlighted as being good and outstanding. 'Our next steps are to develop the curriculum further to incorporate modern foreign languages, more creative arts and outdoor activities. 'We are hoping to extend the range of clubs and out of school activities and next term will see the start of a new programme of family learning during the school day. 'We are also relocating the library to make space for a sixth classroom for September.'
