Pupils are happy at Hazel Cottage School. Kind and nurturing staff greet them warmly as they arrive at school each morning. Pupils who are new to the school settle in quickly. Staff support them well to help them focus on their learning. The school has high expectations for pupils’ achievement. Staff take the time to get to know pupils. They understand their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and interests well. This helps staff work out the best way for individual pupils to learn the curriculum. Pupils receive different, personalised opportunities to learn new information. From their individual starting points, pupils achieve well. Pupils behave well. Staff step in quickly when pupils need help to follow the school’s rules or to regulate their own emotions. This ensures that pupils’ behaviour is addressed sensitively and effectively. Building independence is an important aspect of the school’s ambition for its pupils. Skilled staff help pupils learn the knowledge and skills to realise this. For example, pupils learn how to complete jigsaws and make sandwiches independently. Pupils relish the opportunity to interact with a special ‘robot.’ This helps them to develop social skills, such as turn taking. These experiences contribute well to pupils’ broader development.