Pupils thrive at Rowan Park. Their complex, individual needs are expertly catered for. Pupils, including children in the early years and students in the sixth form, develop warm and supportive relationships with staff and with each other. This creates a caring school community where pupils are happy and they feel safe. Teachers and staff have high expectations for each pupil. They use specialist resources and approaches to help remove any barriers to pupils’ learning and development. Incremental steps of progress are valued and nurtured so that pupils develop confidence, independence and communication skills. These strong foundations support pupils to achieve well in a range of learning areas and subjects. Typically, pupils benefit from well-trained staff who support their routines as well as their sensory and medical needs. For example, they use tactile resources, sensory stories and designated colour zones to help pupils to regulate their own behaviour and to prepare them for learning. Pupils’ wider development and life skills are central to the curriculum. This helps pupils to develop confidence and ensure that they are well prepared for life beyond school. For example, some pupils act as reading ambassadors, peer mentors and school council representatives. Pupils learn about road safety and, as their independence builds, they learn how to travel on public transport and visit the local shops.