Pupils at an Ivybridge primary enjoy coming to school and are proud of their learning in a safe and caring community according to education inspectors.

Parents at The Erme Primary are very supportive and the inspectors say one typical comment was: "I have nothing but praise. My child is thriving.”

Two inspectors from the school standards agency Ofsted visited The Erme last month and have now confirmed it remains a good school.

That follows a “good” judgement in 2016, since when the national inspection regime has been made much tougher.

In a new report, senior Ofsted inspector Sue Costello says: “Pupils enjoy school. They are happy and safe.

"Pupils speak highly of The Erme’s safe and caring community (and) treat each other with kindness and friendship. Parents appreciate the school and its staff."

Ms Costello says over the past few years the school’s curriculum has been overhauled and is well-planned and sequenced.

"Leaders prioritise reading," she says. "Children in the Reception class benefit from a curriculum that is full of activities designed to develop their reading and vocabulary. Most children are well prepared for the ambitious reading activities in Key Stage 2.

"Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. Leaders expect all pupils to do well at school (and they) provide wide experiences for all pupils beyond the academic curriculum.

"Pupils are supported to develop an interest in the world and to respect others. Pupils enjoy attending forest school and learning about their local area. They take pride in their work and their learning is rarely disrupted by poor behaviour.

"Leaders identify pupils with special educational needs and disabilities quickly. They make sure that pupils receive appropriate support from health professionals and school staff."

The Erme is part of the Moorsway Federation with Cornwood and Shaugh Prior Primary Schools.

Executive Head Teacher Simon Hall said:

“While there is so much in the report that I am proud to read, I am most delighted about the comments made about our children. The inspectors praised their behaviour, attitudes to learning and noted how friendly and polite they are. Everything we do is about providing rich and fulfilling learning experiences for our pupils. It is clear that they are benefitting from the hard work that has been put in by all staff over recent years.

"The findings by the Inspectors show just what can be achieved if leadership, staff, parents and pupils all work hand-in-hand to support one another.”

“Our fantastic team of staff value our children and their families and are providing the quality of education that this community so richly deserves.

“What is most exciting now is the future. Looking back over what has been achieved in just a short time, we are all energised about where this school and our pupils will go from here. I know there are some big plans, and I look forward to seeing The Erme Primary School evolve further.”

The inspectors say that to improve even more, the school should refine and improve its curriculum plans so that the essential knowledge pupils need to learn is made clear.