Pupils say that Begdale House is a friendly and safe place to learn. Staff are very caring and supportive. They understand and respond to pupils’ social and emotional needs well. Pupils develop positive working relationships with one another and with staff. These contribute strongly to improving pupils’ attendance, behaviour and attitudes to learning. Pupils socialise happily together at lunchtimes. Pupils told us that there is no bullying at Begdale House. Pupils recognise and respect others’ differences. Staff listen to pupils’ views. Pupils asked for the rabbits and guinea pigs that are popular additions to the school. They take responsibility for caring for these animals. Pupils built the hutches and runs for the animals to live in. While most pupils make strong progress in their personal development, attendance and behaviour, they do not do as well as they should across the range of subjects they learn. Sometimes teachers do not anticipate the gaps that pupils have in their knowledge due to missing long periods of education. Teachers do not always help pupils to build on what they already know to learn new things. Pupils get advice that helps them to make informed choices about what they want to do when they leave school.