Mayfield School, located in Chorley, Lancashire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on September 13 and 14, 2022. The school provides a welcoming environment where pupils arrive happy and are greeted warmly by staff. The staff prioritize creating a positive atmosphere that fosters enjoyable and engaging learning experiences tailored to meet the individual needs of each pupil. High expectations for achievement are set, which contributes to the success of the students. Parents and carers express satisfaction with the support their children receive to reach their potential.
The staff at Mayfield School possess a deep understanding of their pupils, including the sensory and emotional support required to help them manage their behavior effectively. This understanding ensures that pupils feel safe and secure, allowing them to focus on learning. Staff are proactive in addressing conflicts among pupils and work to resolve issues, including instances of bullying. The school offers a variety of activities that promote physical development, such as swimming, which enhances pupils' muscle use, body movement, and posture. Pupils take pride in their achievements in these activities.
The curriculum at Mayfield School is ambitious and carefully designed to cater to the individual needs of all pupils, enabling them to achieve well. Learning is structured to allow for practice and repetition, facilitating progress through personalized curriculums. For instance, some pupils have improved their core muscle strength, enabling them to sit upright for longer periods, while others have learned to walk with assistance or independently. The curriculum also supports non-verbal pupils in developing communication skills and social interactions through various methods, including sign language and visual aids.
Assessment information is utilized effectively to identify pupils' capabilities and the next steps needed to achieve their long-term goals. A strong culture of reading is promoted throughout the school, with pupils engaging in songs, rhymes, and stories. Staff ensure that early years pupils and those in the early stages of reading have ample opportunities to read to adults, fostering a love for reading.
Pupils in key stage four and college students work towards nationally recognized qualifications, with a focus on independence and life skills. This preparation equips them for future educational stages. Pupils enjoy vocational subjects like horticulture and participate in practical activities such as shopping for ingredients and cooking meals together. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program offers outdoor learning experiences, although the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted some work experience opportunities outside the school.
While the school is gradually increasing opportunities for broader pupil development, there is still room for improvement in the range of enrichment activities available. Some pupils do not have access to a sufficiently diverse array of experiences, which limits their ability to explore their interests and talents fully. The school teaches pupils about different cultures and religions, celebrating various festivals throughout the year.
Mayfield School effectively caters to a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. Staff are well-equipped to support pupils' physical, emotional, and sensory needs, resulting in minimal disruption during lessons. The newly appointed leadership team has gained the confidence of the staff, who feel valued and heard. The introduction of an improved assessment system has alleviated workload pressures. The governing body is actively involved in supporting the school’s continuous improvement efforts.
The safeguarding arrangements at Mayfield School are effective, with a strong culture of vigilance regarding pupil vulnerabilities. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to concerns promptly. The curriculum also addresses social contexts and personal safety, equipping pupils with the skills needed to stay healthy and safe. Overall, while the school demonstrates many strengths, expanding the range of enrichment activities remains a key area for development to enhance pupils' broader learning experiences.
