ALL Saints C of E School has been praised by Ofsted following its two year intensive improvement programme.

Children and staff are celebrating after the school was rated as good following a two-day visit by inspectors.

The inspector highlighted Early Years, Leadership and Management and the Quality of Teaching and Learning as particular strengths of the school.

Mrs Hatch, headteacher, said: “We are thrilled that the inspectors agreed with our own self-evaluation. The report reflects the huge journey the school has undertaken since the last inspection and the things that make our school so special.

"I am incredibly proud and grateful for the hard work and commitment from everyone who has supported us in our drive for improvement.”

Alan Jones, chairman of the Exmoor Federation said: “The leadership team have worked exceptionally hard over the last two years, in particularly challenging times, to achieve this fantastic outcome.

"Raising standards and making these schools outstanding for the children in our care is at the heart of everything we do.

"We want to particularly thank all the staff and our headteacher. It’s great to see all their hard work and achievement recognised in this Ofsted report.

"We are very proud of them all and look forward to working with them in moving the school continually upwards.”

Some of the other highlights of the report include:

n Children in the early years benefit from learning in an environment that is well suited to their needs. Highly effective teaching means pupils make good progress

n Children’s behaviour is good, with pupils showing a positive attitude to learning. These good attitudes contribute to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

n Governors challenge school leaders appropriately and make an effective, positive contribution to school improvement

n Teaching, learning and assessment are good. Teachers use their strong subject knowledge to develop learning in a wide range of subjects.

Work is already underway to arrange enrichment opportunities, including linking with other local schools.