CONCERNS that a Teignbridge primary school playing field may be sold off have been denied.

It had been suggested that the field at Kingsteignton Primary School, donated by clay company Sibelco, was to have been sold.

However, head teacher Lee Goodenough, confirmed there was ‘no plans’ to sell the land.

He explained: ‘Although previously an under-used resource, this academic year we have formed strong links with WBB Football Club, a local grassroots side who have generously donated their time and resources to help us transform the space into a new football pitch, which has been used to host our Year 5/6 Teignbridge and District League Primary Schools' Football League fixtures.

‘We recognise what a valuable asset the field is to the school and, now the drier months are upon us, will be utilising it consistently for our PE lessons and sporting events - something we know the children will be very pleased about.

‘We have no intention of selling it.’

Meanwhile, Ofsted inspectors who visited in November last year, commented on ‘substantials’ changes to the leadership and said evidence suggested aspects of the school’s work may not be as ‘strong’ as at a previous inspection.

Its report said: ‘Since the previous inspection, there have been substantial changes to the leadership and organisation of the school.

‘The school transferred into a new trust, which has guided it well through a period of change.

‘The school is now in a more stable position.’

Mr Goodenough, who took over at the start of the academic year, said: ‘I was delighted to become headteacher at Kingsteignton School at the start of the academic year and Ofsted inspectors noted when they visited in November that since the school joined Education South West just over a year ago, the trust has guided the school well through a period of change.

‘Of course, every school has areas it wishes to strengthen further but I am confident that we have a committed team of staff who are all working hard to achieve the very best for our children and the wider community.

‘I look forward to Ofsted inspectors returning for a fully graded visit in the future, when we have had time to show how our new approaches, and the support from Education South West, have made a real positive difference.

‘In their last report, inspectors already had lots of commendatory comments about the school.

‘They stated our pupils are happy, enjoy coming to school and treat each other well and that their high attendance is evidence of their positive attitudes to learning.

‘Inspectors also noted that staff build warm relationships with pupils, which enables them to learn in a nurturing environment where they feel well supported.

‘I was particularly proud that Ofsted recognised the fact that teaching pupils to learn to read and to develop a love of reading is a high priority in our school.

‘I am always very happy to show visitors around and enjoy showing off our wonderful school community - a community I feel privileged to lead.’