Cherry Trees School is a generic primary special school situated in South Staffordshire in the large village of Wombourne. It is federated with Wightwick Hall School. The majority of Cherry Trees’ pupils move onto Wightwick Hall at the time of secondary transfer. An executive headteacher leads both schools and they share the same governing body. The school currently caters for 26 pupils, all of whom have been identified as having moderate or severe learning difficulties. Pupils’ needs are often complex, including many with communication difficulties or medical needs. Approximately 30% of the pupils have autistic spectrum disorder and this proportion is rising steadily. A few pupils also have additional behavioural difficulties. All pupils have a statement of their special educational needs except for a few of the very youngest children who are currently going through the process of having an education, health and care plan drawn up. Each pupil also has a ‘My Aspirational Plan (MAP)’ which ensures that each pupil’s educational needs are identified and reviewed on a termly basis. Approximately 50% of pupils are eligible for the pupil premium, which is additional government funding for disadvantaged children. This is above the national average. The majority of pupils are White British. There are three times as many boys as girls, which is typical for small special schools of this type. At the time of the inspection there were three children in the early years provision, all attending full time. Pupils enter the school at any point in their primary or early years education and often during the course, rather than at the beginning, of an academic year. The executive headteacher is a Director of the Staffordshire Special Schools Company which comprises of 23 special schools across Staffordshire. These schools work in close partnership to provide training and network opportunities for its staff. The school has been awarded Dyslexic Friendly Status and the Basic Skills Quality Mark.