IT has been another very busy week, both locally and up in Westminster, writes MP Mel Stride.

In Teignbridge I visited South Dartmoor Community College in Ashburton – one of three state secondary schools in our constituency. I sat down with Executive Head Jen Veal to gain a better understanding of how the school has improved in the last couple of years.

 Indeed, its Ofsted in 2022 showed a strong transformation from its previous one in 2018, improving from ‘Requires Improvement’ in 4 out of 5 categories to being ‘Good’ in 4 out of 5 categories. 

From pupil development to academic outcomes there is a lot to be positive about.

It was then a short trip up the A38 to Bovey Tracey to meet with David McGahey, Chair of Bovey Paradiso. 

Regular readers of my articles may remember I visited a few weeks ago to discuss a bid to the government’s Community Ownership Fund. 

I am delighted now to report that the bid was successful, with Bovey Paradiso chosen as one of only fifty projects across the country to benefit from the latest round of funding (their allocation is £200,000). 

I had worked very hard to help secure this funding which will go a long way to realising the Paradiso’s dream of a theatre and cinema in Bovey, adding to its art gallery and set of studios.

In Mid Devon I visited Morchard Bishop Primary School. 

The school was one of five in our constituency to find out recently they had been successful in applying for Condition Improvement Funding. The others being Hennock Community Primary School, Widecombe-in-the-Moor Primary School, Ide Primary School and Dunsford Community Academy. 

I asked about the funding during my visit and was told the cash would be spent on a complete overhaul of the school’s heating system. This will be carried out during the summer holidays to minimise disruption and will save the school money and cut their carbon emissions. 

During my visit I spoke with Head Teacher Sam Butler about the school’s conversion to an academy and becoming part of the Link Multi Academy Trust, to which several schools in our constituency belong. 

I was pleased to hear the transition is serving the school and its pupils well. The school had received an Ofsted inspection just three days before my visit so it was also useful to get direct feedback on that experience.

This week I have also been promoting Alcohol Awareness Week. 

If you or a loved one needs help to reduce their alcohol consumption, help is available here in Devon at www.edp.org.uk. Specialist support is available for young people from Y-SMART. 

The service sits under the Early Help umbrella of Devon County Council Children’s Services and supports young people who want to stop or reduce their alcohol or drug use and helps young people who live with a parent or carer struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. For more information, including how to make a referral, visit www.y-smart.org.uk.

► More from Mel at www.melstridemp.com or follow him on Twitter @MelJStride