A Devon first school with rising standards and good achievement has been given two unusual accolades by independent education inspectors.

They said teaching at St Thomas First School in Exeter was 'at least' good in all subjects with some very good and excellent features.

And two examples of outstanding practice were also highlighted at the school by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) inspectors.

The movement group for children with significant special educational needs for learning and the whole school approach to monitoring and evaluation will be featured on Ofsted's national website as an example for others.

The Ofsted inspectors concluded: 'The school provides a good education for all pupils. The quality of teaching is good overall. Consequently pupils achieve well in all year groups.'

The report, which has just been published, says the school has moved forward well since its last inspection in 1998.

'Pupils learn effectively because relationships between them and their teachers are very good, teaching assistants support them very effectively and work is interesting,' they say.

'Pupils' learning is supported well by good planning in all subjects and very good personal and academic guidance. Parents support the school well and there are good links with the community."

The inspectors praise headteacher David Pugh for his good leadership and management.

'The head has a clear educational vision for the direction and work of the school and provides good guidance for pupils, staff and governors,' they say.

A delighted David Pugh said today: 'Everyone who has been associated with the school since its last inspection should be very proud of the contribution they have made.

'The report reflects our commitment to providing the very best education possible - something two successive School Achievement Awards have also acknowledged. Ofsted has recognised this is a school with a strong caring ethos where children feel secure and have trusting relationships with their teachers and other adults who help them.'

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