All pupils at Harpurhey Alternative Provision School have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Many of these pupils have additional vulnerabilities as a result of their SEND. Despite this, leaders do not protect pupils from the risk of harm. Pupils are not safe at this school. Pupils join the school with considerable gaps in their curriculum knowledge. Leaders do not make sure that pupils catch up as quickly as they should. This severely hinders how well pupils learn. Leaders have low expectations of what pupils can and should achieve. The curriculum lacks ambition. Pupils study a narrow range of subjects. They do not achieve well. Pupils are ill-prepared for the next stages of education, employment and/or training as a result of the considerable weaknesses in the curriculum. Leaders do not ensure that pupils behave well. Pupils regularly swear. Leaders do not make sure that pupils develop a strong work ethic. In addition, many pupils do not attend school regularly or on time. These pupils fall further behind in their learning. Pupils do not have sufficient opportunities to enhance their wider personal development. For example, pupils do not take part in regular physical activity. Nor do they have the chance to develop their wider talents or interests. Most pupils enjoy being at school, but others are disinterested in their education. Pupils told inspectors that staff are willing to listen to their concerns. Staff work well with pupils to deal with any incidents of bullying.