Care, compassion and a curriculum that enables the pupils to thrive are part of the magic ingredients that make Heatherwood School an inspiring, life-changing school. The pupils are central to the school. Staff are fully invested in the education they provide. The relationships between staff and pupils are superb. The two-way respect between them is palpable. The curriculum is carefully designed to support individual needs on a personal level. The success of this is clear. Over time, pupils learn how to communicate very effectively. They also build a broad knowledge base in a wide range of subjects. Staff treat pupils with dignity. Parents feel part of the school. They appreciate the clear communication lines that are available to staff. The school works with external agencies, such as the NHS, to help families support pupils when they are at home. Reading is taught extremely well to all pupils. Staff read with and to pupils regularly. The books that pupils read match their phonics stage. The school library is well stocked. The books available to pupils excite and engage them in reading for pleasure. The school is calm. Behaviour is excellent. Kindness is continually celebrated and seen as a strength at Heatherwood.