Mayfield School

Overview

Mayfield School is described as “turning a corner” following a period of instability, with leaders determined that pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) will not be a barrier to achievement. While the school provides a clear curriculum progression and strong pastoral care, the report notes that strategies are “not consistently implemented by all staff,” meaning the school’s ambitions are “not always met.”

Strengths

• Leaders and staff take “a great deal of time and care to get to know pupils well,” quickly identifying what motivates them.
• There is a “clear focus on making sure that pupils are well prepared for their next steps,” supported by clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
• The curriculum provides “clear progression from early years into the sixth form,” helping pupils learn to communicate and manage their feelings.
• Pastoral care is “strong,” with an experienced team working “very effectively with pupils and their families.”
• Reading is “prioritised” through a “carefully curated book list,” sensory stories, and a “well delivered phonics curriculum.”

Areas to improve

• Some staff do not implement the curriculum or behaviour strategies “consistently well,” preventing some pupils from receiving the intended quality of education.
• The communication strategy is not used “consistently well,” meaning some pupils do not participate fully in their learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”