PUPILS at one of West Somerset's smallest schools have been told by inspectors that they are privileged to attend it. Timberscombe Church of England Voluntary Aided First School was given a coveted 'good' rating in an inspection carried out by Ofsted earlier this year. Inspector Derek Watts concluded that the 30-pupil school was highly regarded by its parents, that headteacher Lesley Lyle and her staff had created a positive ethos where youngsters were valued and included well in all activities, and that standards were above average overall and well above average in English and maths in year four. And the findings of a separate denominational inspection, echoed the many positive comments and concluded that: "Timberscombe is a good church school which children are privileged to attend." It was said to have a distinctive Christian ethos with very well established strong church links and to be a "welcoming community" with a strong family feeling, displaying caring attitudes to all. Inspectors found that the school provided an important focus for the village and had developed strong links with the community, drawing on support from local residents and the parish to support learning. It was also said to have been effective in promoting good attendance as a result of a comprehensive attendance policy and well-developed monitoring systems. Teaching and learning were found to be good overall in years one and two in maths and English and very good in years three and four. Expectations and levels of challenge were found to be high, with high quality teaching contributing significantly to pupils' high standards and very good achievement. In the reception class, children were found to attain or exceed the early learning goals and their overall standards were above average for entry into year one. In year two, standards were above average in speaking, listening, reading, writing and maths and in year four well above average in the same subjects. Standards were also above average in science in the current year two and four and children were said to be achieving well because of good teaching and good opportunities for investigative work. Although standards were broadly average in ICT across the school and the school was commended for taking effective action to further embed the subject across the curriculum, increasing the learning opportunities in ICT to raise achievement further was one of the areas identified for improvement. Inspectors also said the range of learning opportunities for reception children should be increased. The inspection team agreed with many of the strengths identified by parents, who were said to value the range of extra-curricular activities provided which were felt to enrich pupils' experiences. Parents also recognised that pupils were keen to learn and were proud of their achievements, and the school provided them with good information about their children's progress. Accommodation and resources were rated good and well maintained and inspectors confirmed the school's rightful pride in its record with children with special educational needs. Children were said to benefit from small classes and effective teaching assistant support. Mrs Lyle was said to have a good vision for the school, firmly focused on pupils' learning, with the school also displaying good leadership and management. In her teaching, Mrs Lyle was said to lead by example, providing very good lessons. Inspectors rated the governors as effective, supportive and very much involved in the day-to- day life of the school. Their chairman Nigel Hockin, who was described as committed and enthusiastic, said he and his fellow governors were delighted for Mrs Lyle and her staff by the positive tone of the inspection reports. "The excellent results reflects their hard work and dedication throughout the six years since our last inspection," said Mr Hockin. "We are pleased that Ofsted have recognised the good improvements we have continued to make in standards, teaching and learning and resources since 1998." Mr Hockin said Timberscombe, whose intake is largely from the village and immediate area, could offer children an excellent education, with very good staff/pupil ratios." Any prospective parents interested in visiting can contact the school office on 01643 841259. Photo: Steve Guscott.