Pupils are well cared for and happy at Castle Wood Special School. All staff know pupils well. Pupils, parents and carers are made to feel welcome. Consequently, pupils settle quickly when they arrive at the school. The curriculum sets out to support the broad and complex range of needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils with multiple and complex learning needs work at the early stages of the curriculum. Staff focus on small steps of learning to support areas, such as physical development, shared attention and vocalisation. However, in other parts of the curriculum teachers are not clear about what to teach and when. This slows down learning, particularly for pupils who are ready and capable of moving on to more rigorous and demanding work. Consequently, the expectations for some pupils are not always high enough. Pupils feel safe in school. They can name adults who will help them. Pupils learn about positive friendships. Any unkind behaviour is dealt with sensitively by staff. Pupils who may need additional support for their behaviour are well supported. Pupils experience a range of broader opportunities, including visits to theatres and residential visits. This builds pupils’ confidence and independence.