Abbey Court provides an inspirational physical and emotional environment in which pupils thrive and enjoy their education. A safe, nurturing atmosphere is combined with a sense of ambition and determination that every pupil should benefit from a rich, broad learning experience – and they do. Communication, personal development, and safety sit at the heart of the curriculum. Staff expertly use diverse communication methods and are persistent in finding an approach that works for everyone. Pupils learn to communicate, starting with ‘stop’ and ‘more’, to make choices and to engage positively in their personalised curriculum. Wherever needed, pupils receive effective support to manage their own emotions. Some pupils respond well to frequent small rewards, others to movement breaks or a change of environment. Learning continues uninterrupted and pupils treat each other kindly. Larkin Farm, the school’s farm, provides a wealth of opportunities for pupils to extend their communication and independence skills as well as to learn first hand about science topics, such as ‘water’. A range of farm animals frequently greet pupils at the start of the school day and visit at breaktimes. ‘Tonto’, the much-loved horse simulator, enables pupils to extend physical, social and linguistic skills within a familiar, supported environment.