A primary school has been praised for its “engaged and happy atmosphere”.

Wellington MP Gideon Amos made the comment after visiting Wellesley Park Primary School on Friday.

He held a meeting with headteacher, Carly Wilkins, before touring the school and chatting with pupils and staff.

Mr Amos said afterwards: “I was delighted to meet with children in several classes who asked me challenging and well-informed questions, including whether the King always agrees with Parliament.

“The fantastic work going on at Wellesley Park was really obvious on my visit.

“Children are clearly being educated in a warm and caring environment and there’s a wonderfully uplifting atmosphere.”

In their meeting, Mrs Wilkins raised a number of challenges, including funding and SEND (special educational needs and disability) provision.

She said: “We’re very grateful to Gideon for giving up his valuable time to visit us.

“As well as seeing the school in action, and meeting our brilliant pupils and staff, it gave me the chance to raise several points.

“I was able to discuss the current challenges we face with funding. I highlighted how next year’s funding does not account for inflation, effectively resulting in real terms cut in our budget.

“We also discussed some of the national but localised challenges, such as the current wait time to see a paediatrician following a neuro pathway referral, which is currently at least two years, and how this is not acceptable for our pupils and families.”

Wellesley Park Primary School is part of Blackdown Education Partnership, a partnership of schools working as a Multi-Academy Trust across Devon and Somerset. Wellesley Park is one of 13 schools and academies within the trust.

Located on Homefield road, the Primary School and its associated nursery have about 350 pupils aged from two to 11 years.