Mead Primary School, located in Harold Hill, Romford, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection on July 10 and 11, 2024, and has been rated as good overall. The school demonstrates a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education, with particular strengths in personal development, which has been rated as outstanding. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision have all been rated as good.
Pupils at Mead Primary School are described as happy and thriving in a friendly and inclusive environment. The school fosters high expectations for both learning and behavior, resulting in calm and purposeful lessons. The school promotes respect for diverse perspectives and cultural differences, ensuring that the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well understood and catered for.
The leadership team has effectively implemented staff training to enhance the standard of reading across the school, making the reading program a notable strength. The curriculum is ambitious and is supplemented by a variety of educational visits, which enrich the learning experience. The school emphasizes the importance of citizenship, with pupils engaging in community-minded activities and taking part in a Pupil Parliament that allows them to voice their opinions in school decision-making.
Pupils participate in the University of Mead at the end of each academic year, where they engage in enrichment projects that include arts and crafts, science experiments, drama, and music productions. This initiative helps pupils explore and develop their talents and interests.
The curriculum has been redesigned to align with national standards, focusing on essential disciplinary knowledge and skills. While early mathematics is well-supported, some areas of the curriculum require further development to ensure consistency in learning opportunities. The delivery of the curriculum is generally confident, particularly in English and mathematics, although there are instances where teachers may need to clarify their explanations and focus on key learning points more effectively.
Teachers utilize various methods to assess pupils' learning and recall, allowing them to identify and address knowledge gaps promptly. Pupils with special educational needs are well-supported, ensuring they can access the full curriculum. The school promotes awareness of different medical conditions and mental health through events and fundraising activities.
Reading is a significant focus at Mead Primary School, with pupils of all ages encouraged to read widely. The school has invested in new books that align with its phonics program, enabling early readers to develop their skills effectively. Teachers model new sounds and provide additional support to those who need it, helping them improve their reading fluency.
While pupils are generally kind and attentive, the school is working to improve attendance, which currently falls below national figures. Leaders are aware of the challenges some families face in getting their children to school and are actively addressing these issues.
Staff at Mead Primary School report high levels of job satisfaction and feel well-supported by leadership. Recent training has enhanced their teaching practices, and they appreciate the measures taken to support their well-being. The school provides strong support for early career teachers.
The safeguarding arrangements at Mead Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The inspection highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring that lesson activities are sharply focused on key knowledge and skills, especially in the early years. Overall, Mead Primary School is committed to continuous improvement and providing a nurturing educational experience for its pupils.
