All pupils have a statement of special educational needs, with the greatest proportion experiencing severe and complex learning difficulties; just under a third experience profound and multiple learning difficulties and over a third of pupils have autistic spectrum conditions. A small number of pupils have complex medical needs and degenerative medical conditions. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds with a small number of pupils from other White and Asian heritages. The proportion of pupils who are known to be eligible for pupil premium funding is above average. This is government funding that the school receives for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals, those who are in local authority care and the children of military personnel on active service overseas. Small groups of sixth-form pupils attend alternative provision at Rotherham Community Arts and Technology College and work-based learning with a range of local employers. A small number of young children attend the early years setting at Maltby Redwood Primary School for part of the week. Since the last inspection the school has joined in federation with Kelford School; both special schools share the same Executive headteacher and, since September 2012, share the same governing body. The school holds specialist status in communication and interaction.