A VILLAGE primary school just outside Taunton has been praised by inspectors for its "wonderful sense of community”.

A report by the inspector Jeremy Hellier, who visited in June, judged Cheddon Fitzpaine Church School to be good in promoting its overall Christian vision and excellent for the impact of collective worship.

Cheddon Fitzpaine has been part of the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust for ten years and was rated Good at its last Ofsted inspection five years ago.

Father Hellier’s Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report confirmed it continues to thrive by successfully encouraging pupils to 'Belong, Believe and Build'.

The report said: "A distinctive Christian vision is clearly lived through well understood Christian values.

"This results in high quality relationships within the school and the wider community.

“The vision is truly lived by pupils and is apparent in positive relationships, as well as good behaviour.”

Father Hellier praised the strong sense of teamwork between staff and governors and the supportive partnerships between the school, parents, the Church and beyond.

He said that adults and children, including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, feel well supported.

His report highlighted the “outstanding character development of pupils”.

Religious education was said to be a highly impressive feature of the 140-pupil school.

Children were described as displaying clear and confident knowledge of Christianity and world faiths.

“The subject has a clear impact on the lives of the pupils and their personal spirituality,” the report added.

The inspector applauds the collective worship, saying it inspires children to reflect and take action in their lives.

“The overall experience of worship is excellent and highly transformational in the life of the school community,” he said.

The school’s contribution to, and support from, the multi-academy trust also won praise.

Headteacher Paula Goodchild said the report was a tribute to the efforts of the whole school community.

She added: “I am extremely proud of this report

"Years of hard work and dedication from our staff team have ensured the children at our school truly are getting the best experiences and education.

"This report is a well-deserved recognition of all that they do and the impact they have.

"I would like to thank both them and our wonderful children who demonstrate our school values every day, both in and out of school."