OFSTED has handed Landscore Primary School in Crediton a broadly positive report card, describing it as “inclusive” and classrooms as “lively and enjoyable”.

The education watchdog visited the 276-pupil school on Tuesday, October 6.

It judged that it met the “expected standard” across all areas, namely achievement, attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, early years, inclusion, leadership and governance and personal development and wellbeing.

“Pupils usually achieve at least in line with the national averages at this school,” Ofsted said.

“Disadvantaged pupils’ achievement is often better than in similar schools, with reading and mathematics being areas where their attainment is highest.

“Pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, have not achieved as well in writing over time. This is due to historic weaknesses in the way that technical skills in handwriting, spelling and punctuation have been taught.

“Pupils now make suitable progress in these skills starting in the early years. They are developing the fluency that they need to produce confident, extended writing later.”

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities “often make significant gains, for example, in their speech and language development”, Ofsted added.

The education watchdog described behaviour around the school as “generally settled and calm”.

It said most pupils “cooperate well and enjoy sharing ideas”, which “promotes a sense of friendship and belonging in each class”.

Play time is also “well organised and well supervised”, with pupils “rarely” unkind to one another and any bullying “quickly” resolved by the school.

As for the curriculum, leaders have an “accurate picture of what is working well and what could be improved further”, Ofsted said.

“On the whole, teaching meets the needs of a wide range of pupils,” the watchdog said.

In terms of SEND provision, the school “typically” identifies pupils’ changing needs well and readily adapts the provision to help and support pupils with their challenges.

“There are occasions where teaching is not adapted as quickly or precisely as it could be, but this is usually rectified after a short time,” Ofsted said.

“Leaders have recently opened an extra class, providing intensive support for pupils with gaps in their early learning who have not been able to keep up with their peers. Although this provision is in its infancy, it is already improving experiences for these pupils.”

Executive Headteacher Clare Wilmott said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our Ofsted inspection and incredibly proud of everything that our school community has achieved.

“The report recognises what makes Landscore special: the caring and inclusive ethos, the positive relationships across the school and the commitment of our staff to providing the very best experiences for our children.

“I would like to thank our staff, governors, pupils and families for their continued hard work, dedication and support. This outcome belongs to the whole Landscore community.

“We know there is always more we can do, and we are excited to build on these strengths, continuing to improve outcomes and opportunities for every child.”