The headteacher of a South Hams primary has been praised by education inspectors for his role in making big improvements at the school.

David Strudwick was appointed at Blackawton 18 months ago following a spell when the school was without a permanent head.

The inspectors say under his leadership the school has improved significantly and is set to get even better.

"After a difficult period when the school lacked direction, the good leadership provided by the current headteacher has stabilised the school and is starting to bring about improvements, particularly in achievement," say the inspectors.

"Under his skilful leadership, the process of renewing and improving the school has begun.

"Blackawton is well poised to build on (these) improvements to move forward in the future.

"Encouraged by the head, staff are developing their leadership and management roles and feel shared ownership in improving the school.

"Governors are supportive of the headteacher's initiatives."

The two inspectors from the school standards agency Ofsted visited the school for a day and their report has just been published.

They say pupils are generally achieving the standards expected for their age when they finish primary school at the end of Year 6.

But they add: "There are clear indications that all pupils are starting to benefit from improvements in provision and are making better progress than they have in the recent past.

"The school has set challenging targets for the 2007 results. There is good evidence to show these are likely to be met."

The inspectors say that the 139 pupils like coming to school because learning is fun.

The curriculum is good and well adapted to pupils' needs and tastes.

There are good relationships between pupils of all ages and adults and the children work and play together happily and safely.

Their good knowledge about healthy diets is encouraged by what the inspectors describe as their "delicious, nutritious school meals" for which the school won a national award last year.

To continue its recent record of improvement, the inspectors say Blackawton should raise standards and achievement - particularly for boys - and ensure that pupils are aware of what they have to do to improve.

Blackawton headteacher David Strudwick said: "We are really excited about how we are developing the school.

"We have a great staff team, very supportive parents and children who are keen to learn and be creative.

"The areas we need to improve were already identified prior to the inspection and I am sure that it will not be long before the staff's hard work and children's efforts will impact further on standards.

"I was particularly pleased that Ofsted recognised the staff team's effort to ensure that children enjoyed their learning and their experience of school."