The school continues to provide high-quality education and care for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff have a clear commitment to support pupils to achieve their potential. They work towards the school’s vision of helping pupils ‘acknowledge the past, manage the present and work hard towards the future’. Staff understand pupils’ individual needs well. They are very aware of the difficulties pupils experience. They offer a nurturing approach to help pupils understand themselves. Staff help pupils to manage their emotions by employing a range of carefully thought-outstrategies. Edna the guinea pig also helps to provide pupils with opportunities to have a calming break. Pupils develop strong working relationships with staff. Most pupils appreciate the help staff give them. Pupils generally respond well to the high expectations set for them. Many say that they feel happy and cared for. They engage with learning tasks and are proud of their work and achievements. Most parents and carers are supportive of the school. One parent expressed the views of many others when they said, ‘my child has absolutely thrived since starting at Athena School, they look forward to going to school and the positive change in them is incredible!’