The new headteacher of a South Hams primary school has spoken of her vision for it to be a place where every child can fulfil their full potential and achieve the highest possible standards in English, maths and science.

Rachel Perkins took over as the new head of Charleton Church of England Primary School this term.

Mrs Perkins said: "I believe that a stimulating environment should surround children and that learning should be of the highest quality and great fun.

"My aim is to enable every child in my school to fulfil their full potential and achieve the highest possible standards in English, maths and science."

Mrs Perkins has been a teacher for 14 years and is an experienced literacy co-ordinator with particular strengths in developing teaching and learning, tracking children's progress, raising self-esteem and helping children set realistic learning targets.

Rachel Perkins: "My aim is to enable every child in my school to fulfil their full potential and achieve the highest possible standards in English, maths and science."

She said: "I want to develop individual, personalised learning at Charleton with intervention groups to support the children in literacy and maths and help for them to understand and set their own personal learning targets.

"I want to continue to build links with the local community and one of the first events will be a Make a Difference Week in February when the children will undertake a variety of tasks in the community and make a positive contribution to society.

"We will start our rehearsals soon for Joseph and his Technicolour Dream Coat, a production where every child in the whole school will have a part.

"We are developing our after-school clubs and we are adding art, ICT and drama clubs to the range of activities already on offer.

"We have also started a book club at 8.30am for children who arrive early on our school bus. The club has become so popular that most of the children attend each day.

"We have just voted in our new school council and they have held their first meeting, they have decided to hold a fancy dress day during Make a Difference week to raise money for charity.

"I have been very impressed with the up to date resources at the school, including the interactive whiteboards, the ICT suite and the library."

Mrs Perkins said she had been bowled over by the atmosphere at Charleton and is very proud to be the headteacher.

"The school has a very nurturing environment and the children are treated with respect as individuals," she said.

"We have a hard working and dedicated staff charged with providing pupils with quality learning opportunities. I have high expectations and am keen to move the school forward, building on recent successes.

"The governors are committed to raising standards, providing an effective, inspiring education for all of our pupils.

"The stars of our school are of course, the children themselves. Very few visitors fail to comment on their politeness, energy and enthusiasm. They are a credit to the school, confident and well mannered and the caring ethos is reflected throughout the whole school.

"I feel very privileged and proud to lead their learning - they deserve the best."