THE headteacher of a Honiton school has welcomed the findings of an Ofsted inspection. Alan Sheppard, who was permanently appointed headteacher at Mill Water School in September last year, has said he was pleased the hard work put in at the school had been recongnised

THE headteacher of a Honiton school has welcomed the findings of an Ofsted inspection.

Alan Sheppard, who was permanently appointed headteacher at Mill Water School in September last year, has said he was pleased the hard work put in at the school had been recognised.

Lead inspector Sarah Mascall said: "This is a good school, where staff work well as a team and have a strong commitment to providing the best for pupils.

"Teaching and learning have many strengths and are good overall.

"Humour plays a strong part in lessons and lots of laughter reflects the enjoyment all have in lessons.

"Pupils' happy, smiling faces, as they come to school in the morning, are a reflection of how much they enjoy school. They are very enthusiastic about school and enjoy all that they do during the day."

The inspectors found that pupils achieved well and their personal development and well-being was outstanding.

They also said it was a good school which has forged excellent links with parents, carers, other schools and outside agencies, and supports pupils and their families well.

Ms Mascall recognised there had been a number of improvements over the last year, with staff and governors crediting Mr Sheppard for these.

She said: "The good curriculum and strong care, guidance and support contribute greatly to the pupils' excellent personal development."

The inspectors also outlined a number of ways for the school to continue its improvements.

These include that the school should ensure children in the Early Years Foundation stage develop their skills in all areas of learning, make sure pupils throughout the school have individual and specific learning targets and maintain the efforts to develop the accommodation.

Mr Sheppard said: "I am really pleased with this report, which underlines the fact that the staff are fully committed to all the needs of every child at the school.

"I am pleased their hard work has been recognised, particularly the outstanding regard to the personal development and well-being of our special pupils.

"As highlighted in the report, the school is very well placed to develop further and I am looking forward to the many opportunities ahead.