The Dales is a school for pupils who exhibit a wide range of disabilities or special educational needs. The main groups of pupils are those with autistic spectrum disorders, communication needs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and those with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs. All pupils have a statement of special educational need. Pupils attend from across the county of Northumberland and some have experienced significant disruption in their education prior to joining the school. Most pupils are White British. The proportion of pupils known to be supported by the pupil premium is above average. The pupil premium is additional funding for those pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, children from service families and those children who are looked after. Currently no pupils speak English as an additional language. The school has maintained its range of awards since the last inspection. The proportion of looked after children is currently very small. The headteacher is a Local Leader of Education (LLE). Since the last inspection, the governing body and the senior leadership team have been reorganised, either with new staff and/or a change of role. Additionally, the school became part of The Shiremoor Teaching School Alliance, as Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities lead, in 2012 and shares best practice with other schools in its partnership, regionally and nationally.