Nick Harvey says:

‘It is very pleasing that two North Devon schools have recently gained prestigious Teaching Awards.

‘Christine Thompson of Ilfracombe Infant and Nursery School has won the South West Primary School Head Teacher of the Year Award.

‘I understand that Ilfracombe Infant school has a very good reputation, which is undoubtedly down to hard work by the staff and head teacher. Clearly this is well deserved judging from the previous awards the school has attained. This reflects very well on Ilfracombe and North Devon as a whole and Christine must be rightly proud of this latest accolade.

‘In addition Barnstaple’s Yeo Valley Primary School has gained the South West Sustainable School Award. This category includes schools which generate their own electricity, flush toilets with recycled rain water, cultivate plants and encourage practical ‘green’ solutions.

‘Now that energy conservation is such a local, national and global issue this is a noteworthy and very worthwhile achievement for Head Teacher Jan Reid and her staff.’

Nick concludes:

‘I am delighted that the national Teaching Awards continue to recognize excellence in the teaching profession, but especially so when they recognize the quality of our schools in North Devon.’