Mayespark Primary School, located in Ilford, Essex, has recently undergone an inspection on November 15 and 16, 2023, and has been rated as good in overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school fosters a strong sense of community among its pupils, who take pride in their school and actively engage in its core values of respect, determination, honesty, unity, love, and politeness. Pupils are encouraged to embody these values, particularly through the role of ‘values ambassador.’
The school sets high expectations for both learning and behaviour, resulting in focused and engaged students who achieve well across the curriculum. During break and lunchtime, pupils enjoy a variety of activities and maintain positive relationships with staff, who are trusted to address any issues that may arise. The school prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils, offering numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement, including after-school clubs in cookery, art, and sports. Pupils also participate in community service, such as fundraising events and local campaigns, which further enrich their educational experience.
The leadership team, including the governing body, shares a unified vision for excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The school is committed to enhancing its curriculum, which is designed to be ambitious and inclusive, catering for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there are areas where the curriculum could be improved, particularly in ensuring a consistent understanding of how early years education serves as a foundation for future learning. The school is actively working on developing subject leadership to address these gaps.
In the early years, children quickly adapt to the school environment due to clear expectations and routines. The focus on communication and language development is evident, with a curriculum that maximizes learning opportunities. This prepares children well for their future education, regardless of their starting points. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with various initiatives to foster a love of literature among pupils. Daily phonics sessions are conducted by trained staff, ensuring that pupils read books that align with their phonetic knowledge, which helps them become confident readers.
While the school demonstrates secure subject knowledge and effective lesson delivery, there are instances where prior learning is not sufficiently revisited, which can hinder long-term retention of knowledge. Additionally, support for the weakest readers, including those with SEND, needs to be more targeted to ensure they can process and remember what they learn. The school is aware of these challenges and is committed to refining its approach to early reading instruction.
Pupils enjoy their time at school, as reflected in their high attendance rates. The school has established robust systems to promote punctuality and attendance. The personal development program is designed to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain, emphasizing respect, safety, and understanding of societal values. Staff members report feeling supported in their roles, valuing the professional development opportunities provided to them.
The safeguarding arrangements at Mayespark Primary School are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is dedicated to continuous improvement and is focused on enhancing its curriculum and support systems to better meet the needs of all students. Overall, Mayespark Primary School is a nurturing and effective educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
