Exclusive by Alan Quick

A PRIMARY school near Crediton has been recognised as a happy and vibrant place in which to learn and work.

Independent education inspectors say that Sandford School should retain the rating of “good” that it was awarded in 2012.

Under the leadership of relatively new head teacher, Lois Briard, the inspectors say that the school continues to improve and attract more children.

Parents were also found to be overwhelmingly supportive of everything the school does and believe that every child matters and is not just a statistic.

As a school already rated good by the standards agency, Ofsted, Sandford underwent a one-day short inspection in March.

EVERYBODY IS VALUED

And lead inspector Matthew Middlemore concludes: “This school continues to be good.

“Sandford School is a happy, vibrant place in which to work and learn,” he continues.

“Parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school and all that goes on in it.

“One parent told me: ‘Nothing is ever too much at Sandford and everybody is valued.’

“A culture of safeguarding and welfare is paramount throughout the school.

“Parents are extremely positive about the quality of education and care that the school provides.”

Mr Middlemore says Miss Briard and her leadership team have maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.

Since she joined in 2015, Mr Middlemore says Miss Briard has acted promptly to re-structure staff roles and responsibilities.

SCHOOL CONTINUES TO GROW

“Such swift actions have enabled the school to maintain its performance and to manage effectively the increasing numbers of pupils.

“Other leaders, although recently appointed, are also fully aware of the further work that needs to be done to continue to improve the school and the achievement of all pupils.”

He said there are no significant differences between the outcomes of disadvantaged pupils and other children and reading has developed into a real strength across the school.

The report stated: “Parents are extremely positive about the quality of education and care that the school provides.

“A typical response to the online staff questionnaire was that ‘Sandford School has a very supportive team who all work exceptionally well together.’

“This is an inclusive school, and the school community value the work of you and your staff highly.”

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

Furthermore, parents reported to the inspector that “Equality of opportunity is a real strength of the school; every child matters and they are not just a statistic.”

The inspector particularly praised the school’s approach to a “Reading Challenge” programme and said: “Consequently, reading has developed into a real strength of the school.”

Miss Briard said: “Everyone at Sandford is delighted with our recent Ofsted report which reflects the collective daily hard work and commitment of staff, governors, children and parents.

“We are particularly pleased that the report reflects our happy, inclusive school community here at Sandford as well as recognising standards that are above national expectations.”

Prospective families interested in placing their children at Sandford School are invited to contact the school office.