ST Mellion School will this summer term add a library and independent learning centre to its long list of exciting new developments.

The initiative will involve the transformation of a cloakroom and through-room into a purpose-built environment, where the children can develop and enjoy their library skills.

The library will be supported by 10 new computers, as acting headteacher, Angela Palin, describes: 'Computer stations have already been built in both classrooms with 12 computers giving excellent learning opportunities for the children in ICT skills.'

As I walked into St Mellion school on Monday, the ambition to make the very most of its potential is palpable.

Greeted by a warm smile from secretary, Margaret Holley, I'm led through to meet Mrs Palin, where she is teaching literacy to seven and eight-year-olds. The acting headteacher, who has been with the school since January, passionately believes it is very special: 'The relationships between staff and children, and between the children themselves, are so caring.'

'Once the children were outside playing when two came to me, one of whom was in tears, after a small collision in the playground. The child crying was the one who had accidently caused the collision and he was so upset to think he might have hurt a friend!'

Since Christmas the school has turned a previously unused classroom into two offices for staff, leaving the single former office as a perfectly-placed new school classroom accommodating some of the 41 children.

The pupils at St Mellion Church of England School are split into two classes of Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2.

'The low number of pupils ensures that everybody is treated as an individual, ' said the acting head. 'Needs are quickly identified and addressed.'

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 is taught by Mrs Palin and Mary