Running Deer is a school where everyone is welcome. Many pupils have joined the school following unsuccessful experiences of education elsewhere. Staff take the time to get to know them and their interests. Pupils are safe and happy. They trust staff to support and guide them. The school has stabilised following a period of turbulence. A new leadership structure has been established. There is now an ambitious vision in place. The school has overhauled its curriculum in many areas to ensure it is broad and balanced, with focused plans to develop further the quality of education. It is implementing these at pace. However, there is more to do to ensure that pupils fully benefit from the improvements made. As a result, the quality of education that pupils receive is not good. Pupils rise to the high behaviour expectations the school has of them. Pupils learn about how to be considerate of one another’s needs. Bullying incidents are rare and are dealt with promptly. Pupils learn about the importance of democracy, inclusion and free speech. They benefit from opportunities to develop social empathy. For example, they raise money for charity through local fundraising.