School's day of celebration asinspectors arrive

The education watchdogs were touring the school on a routine inspection. It is the first since October 2002.

The inspectors' arrival came just two days after the school's headteacher, Mary Ramacciotti, held a celebration day to acknowledge a successful year. Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert was among the visitors who met staff, pupils and governors.

Others present included county council member in charge of children and young people's services Cllr Mark Dunn, Yapton's county councillor Christina Freeman, and Yapton Parish Council chairman and Arun council member Cllr Stephen Haymes.

The school has received the prestigious Artsmark Silver award from the Arts Council England among other achievements. Mr Herbert was greeted by pupils Jasmine Cook (11) and Bethany Buckman (11) who took the guests on a tour of the school.

He read an excerpt from The Lighthouse Keeper's Cat to a group of pupils.

'I had a wonderful time at the school and was only sorry that I could not stay for longer.

'There's a wonderful atmosphere in the classrooms and I enjoyed reading to the children,' he said.

The school has an active supporters' group, the Friends of Yapton School. It has recently paid for tables and chairs, games, a piano, improvements to the wild garden and hiring coaches for school trips.

The first phase of playground improvements, with a trim trail for the juniors, has been recently completed.

The Friends' next goal is to create a quiet area on a spot which was once a swimming pool.