LANDSCORE Primary School, Crediton has benefitted from the addition of a new Foundation Stage Unit, a new school hall and a new reception area.

The school currently has about 340 pupils, but will be able to accommodate 400 pupils. Although it has grown over recent years the school believes that " it is a big school with a small school feel."

The building works were funded by Devon County Council, with Raven Slade Project and Cost Management the design consultants. The works were completed by South West Highways.

The new school hall is a large, bright spacious building with its own storage areas and facilities to serve school dinners. The hall can be divided into two, allowing two classes to be taught at the same time. It has a large new foyer and access to the playground.

The school has also benefitted from a bright new reception area.

The new Foundation Stage Unit is self-contained with two bright and spacious learning spaces, which allow free-flow between the two and has the addition of its own toilet facilities. The vastly-improved learning areas also allow children the opportunity to take their learning, through play, outside where they have a large secure playing area, some of which is under cover. They also have access to a small woodland area which will be covered with bark donated by Jewsons and secured by Landscore’s Parent Teacher Association.

Acting head teacher, Andy Smith said: "It’s a great place for children to start their journey in the foundation stage.

"It’s superb - They are very lucky."

The school has recently been awarded "Good" in its Ofsted and the report stated: "At the time of the last inspection it was noted that children get off to a ‘flying start’ in the early years, and this remains the case.

"The new early years building provides children with a range of indoor and outdoor opportunities to learn and there are plans to enhance this further.

"The leader of the early years has a very good understanding of the strengths and areas for development in this part of the school’s work. This enables her and other leaders to have very focused and precise targets for improvement, such as improving the writing of summer-born boys in the early years.

"She has established very productive relationships with the local pre-schools and has been working effectively with them to improve children’s readiness for the requirements of the Reception Year."

Mr Smith was delighted with the report and added: "The report reflects the hard work and commitment of the staff and children at Landscore.

"We are very proud of our school and of our achievements in making Landscore a fantastic place to learn.

"The report highlights the many strengths that the school has and we are in an excellent position to continue moving forward."