Pens Meadow is a happy school. Pupils appreciate the help that they get with their learning and if they have any worries. They know that staff care for them. These successful relationships extend to parents and carers. They particularly appreciate that the school does what it can to give their children a good start to school life. Pupils like school and attend well despite the challenges that their higher levels of need present. They behave well and try their best in lessons. The school is ambitious for all pupils. Its curriculum helps them to practise what they have been learning in school out in their community. For example, some pupils visited the local park to look at wildlife and practise working in teams. Over time, pupils make good progress from their individual starting points. Older pupils have ample opportunities to visit local businesses and colleges for taster days. Many appreciate the time that they spend with local charities, helping to sell the goods that they make in lessons. Others talk positively about their gardening work and how they enjoy planting vegetables and seeing them grow. As a result, pupils are prepared well for their next steps in education and/or training.