Mill Ford School caters for pupils with complex support needs and severe learning difficulties. The school provides exceptionally well for pupils’ communication needs. Throughout the school day, pupils use a range of communication aids to make choices and express preferences. This helps pupils to have a voice and develop their confidence. Pupils learn in increasingly formal ways, as appropriate to their development. Some pupils engage with the world through sensory experiences. Others take delight in learning phonics and go on to become confident and fluent readers. Students in the sixth form have every opportunity to develop skills to thrive as adults. Parents value the wide range of activities that pupils have the chance to do, including in the local community. Pupils know and trust the staff who work with them day to day. They feel safe at school and attend very well. During lessons, there is a happy buzz as pupils have a go and get involved. They know they are expected to try their best and they do. The school council plays an important part in improving the school. Pupils on the school council help leaders to solve difficult problems. They make a real difference, for example by helping to set up trips to a local farm and a theme park.