Many pupils face challenges in accessing learning because of their social, emotional and mental health needs. At North Star 240°, consistent routines and high expectations help pupils understand how to manage their anxieties and communication barriers. Staff are proud to work at the school. Their reward is seeing the strides that pupils make every day. The curriculum is well organised, and the lessons are interesting. Consequently, pupils work hard and try their best. An appropriate curriculum for careers guidance ensures that pupils plan relevant next steps. Strong, trusting relationships exist between staff and pupils which means that pupils know that staff listen to and act on any concerns they might have. Breaktimes and lunchtimes are carefully structured so that pupils experience positive social times. A caring, yet ambitious, ethos pervades the school. Whole-school assemblies create the sense of a large family, focused on empathy and a collective endeavour. Pupils feel safe to speak up and talk about how well they are achieving their goals. Staff patiently and kindly help pupils to recognise and own their targets. As a pupil described, ‘Here, I can talk to staff. They help me when I struggle; they help me persevere.’