Sandwell Valley School gives pupils another chance to engage in education after having negative experiences in the past. Many pupils have missed a significant amount of time from school. Staff make it a priority to get to know the pupils and form positive relationships with them. Pupils know that staff will always listen to what they have to say. This helps them to settle and feel safe in school. Staff find out what interests and motivates pupils. They use this information to re-engage pupils in learning. Staff have a good understanding of all pupils’ personal needs. For many pupils, the personal support staff provide enables them to make noticeable improvements in their learning and behaviour. However, some staff do not have an accurate understanding of the gaps some pupils have in their learning. This means that, at times, these pupils do not follow a suitable curriculum or build their knowledge as well as they could. Pupils’ personal development is at the heart of everything the school does. Staff promote values such as respect and tolerance. Pupils display these values in their interactions with staff and each other. Where pupils struggle with this, staff offer effective support so behaviour improves over time.