Laleham Gap School provides an exceptional quality of education. Pupils thrive here and are very well prepared for their next steps after leaving the school. The school’s motto, ‘learn, grow, succeed’, is built into the fabric of the school. The strong pastoral care helps pupils to feel safe and happy here. The relationships staff develop with pupils are very special. Staff take time to get to know pupils on an individual level. They find out about pupils’ likes and dislikes, and what they are good at. As a result, pupils feel understood, well cared for and well supported. One pupil said to the lead inspector, ‘I love the teachers here.’ The school day gets off to a positive start because of the well-established routines that give pupils predictability. This helps to reduce pupils’ anxieties. Pupils know exactly what to expect when they arrive at school. Importantly, the morning ‘check in’ gives staff an indication of any problems they need to resolve to ensure a smooth day for pupils. Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. They are experts in understanding the challenges that pupils with autism face. Staff use restorative approaches well to support pupils so that their learning is as effective as it can be.