Drapers’ Maylands Primary School, located in Romford, Essex, has recently undergone an ungraded inspection on November 1 and 2, 2023. The school maintains its overall judgment of good, with indications that it could achieve an outstanding rating if a graded inspection were conducted. The principal, Trudy Spillane, leads the school, which is part of Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust, overseen by CEO Darren Luckhurst and a board of trustees chaired by Charles Timothy Page.
Pupils at Drapers’ Maylands Primary School thrive in their learning environment, demonstrating a strong sense of safety and happiness. They express confidence in the support they receive from staff and feel respected within the school community. The school fosters high expectations for all students, which is reflected in their exemplary behavior and responsibility for their actions. Older students take pride in their roles as ambassadors, modeling respect and courtesy. The absence of bullying concerns among pupils further highlights the positive atmosphere cultivated at the school.
The curriculum at Drapers’ Maylands is ambitious and exceeds national requirements, with carefully selected subject content. Older pupils engage with topics such as Chinese culture, preparing them to become informed global citizens. The school has established a logical progression of knowledge and skills from Reception to Year 6, ensuring that pupils build complex understanding over time. Teachers emphasize the retention of knowledge through consistent revisiting of subject-specific vocabulary, enhancing pupils' learning experiences.
Teachers at the school exhibit excellent subject knowledge and regularly assess pupils' understanding, providing additional support where necessary. The school effectively identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they have access to the same challenging curriculum as their peers. As a result, pupils achieve commendable outcomes across the curriculum, with particularly high results in national assessments at the end of Year 2. Although Year 6 outcomes were less favorable, school leaders promptly addressed any issues related to curriculum support, particularly in mathematics, where reasoning opportunities have been enhanced.
Reading is prioritized from the outset, with initiatives such as the creation of reading gardens in classrooms and daily story sessions. The school library is well-stocked, encouraging both pupils and parents to engage with literature. Phonics instruction is delivered by knowledgeable staff, ensuring that pupils at risk of falling behind receive timely support to become confident readers.
Drapers’ Maylands offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities, allowing pupils to explore their interests and talents through activities such as dance workshops, school band participation, and performances led by theatre professionals. Staff members express strong support for the school, confident that leadership considers their workload and well-being in decision-making processes.
The school actively promotes regular attendance, analyzing absence patterns and implementing targeted actions for disadvantaged pupils. Safeguarding measures are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all students. This inspection marks the first routine evaluation since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the inspector considering its impact on the school’s operations.
Overall, Drapers’ Maylands Primary School demonstrates a commitment to high standards in education, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils. The school’s next inspection will be a graded one, which will further assess its progress and achievements.
