The headteacher started at the school in October 2016. The school provides education for 49 pupils who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities. The school provides support for pupils who have significant social, emotional and mental health needs. Admission to the school is through local authority referral. All pupils in the provision have an education, health and care plan. Most pupils enter with attainment that is significantly lower than expected for their age or after extreme turbulence in their previous school experience. The proportion of pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium funding is above the national average. Some pupils access alternative provision at North Herts College. A number of pupils also undertake work experience or engage with local community youth projects. Inspection report: Brandles School, 20–21 February 2018 Page 9 of 12 A small number of pupils on roll do not attend lessons on site or are on part-time timetables, but access online home tuition provided by the school. The local authority provides school improvement advisers and a group of multi-agency professionals to work with leaders, following significant concerns raised in 2016.