This is a school where dedicated staff ensure pupils feel settled, secure and safe. Staff know the pupils extremely well and deeply understand their needs, views and ambitions. This enables staff to tailor provision for each pupil successfully. Pupils enjoy their time in school and are rarely absent. Pupils arrive at this school having had very difficult experiences of education in the past. They all have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff understand this well and put in place the support needed. They are particularly skilled in addressing pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs. As a result, pupils typically achieve well and simply love talking about what they have learned. Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. They help pupils achieve these through developing highly positive relationships and treating pupils with sensitivity and kindness. Pupils respond well to this and trust adults to be fair, warm and always approachable. Pupils respect one another, and incidences of bullying are very rare and swiftly dealt with. Despite the negative experiences pupils have had before coming to Elm House, there is a tangible feeling of belonging here.