‘Nurturing’ and ‘caring’ are two words that describe PhoenixPlace well. Pupils receive high-quality pastoral support right from day 1 of starting at the school. This includes access to counselling, mentoring and other therapeutic support. Leaders put a lot of emphasis on building up pupils’ confidence and self-esteem. Pupils speak positively about their experience of life at school. They say that they benefit from small-group teaching and that staff take their time to explain things to them. Parents and carers speak positively about the school. They say that staff help put a smile back on the faces of their children. Leaders have high expectations for behaviour. Adults make sure that the school is a calm environment. Staff do not shout or raise their voices. Pupils are expected to be polite and respectful. They are taught about different types of discrimination. Bullying in any form is not tolerated. Pupils are kept safe and are well looked after. Leaders have not ensured that they follow statutory guidance in planning and delivering relationships and sex education (RSE). This limits the breadth and depth of the personal development programme.