Pupils are valued and nurtured here. Leaders want the best for them. Pupils have a chance to succeed in education where they have previously struggled in other school settings. Staff help pupils to ‘overcome barriers for learning and life’. Learning and support are matched to pupils’ individual education, health and care (EHC) plans. The curriculum is ambitious. It encompasses activities to inspire and interest pupils. There is a strong focus on pupils’ personal development and preparing them for adulthood. They learn how to stay safe and make the right choices. They develop trusting relationships with staff. Staff have high expectations for pupils. They support pupils to manage their behaviour. Pupils appreciate that staff deal effectively with incidents of poor behaviour. They say that they feel safe and that bullying rarely occurs. Pupils enjoy their outdoor education. They relish the opportunities to go climbing and take part in visits to places such as Seaham Beach and High Force waterfall. They grow fruit and vegetables in their allotment. Pupils participate in litter picking in the local community. They volunteer at a local food bank. These experiences help to reduce pupils’ anxiety. They learn vital skills which assist the development of their physical and mental health.