Oaklands is a school where pupils thrive. Staff have high expectations for pupils’ achievement. In a short space of time, pupils make exceptional and rapid progress in all areas of their personal development. This includes working together, listening, communicating and managing emotions. The personal development offer is exceptional. Pupils make strong progress towards achieving their individual targets which are set out in their education, health and care plans (EHC plan). School has not always been a positive experience for pupils. Pupils told inspectors that life here is different. Pupils love this school. One said, ‘The teachers are so nice, they do not shout or get mad, and they listen and help you.’ Another said, ‘My teacher is the best I have ever had. She is my safe adult.’ Parents and carers who responded to the Ofsted Parent View survey were equally very happy with the school. One parent said, ‘This school has changed our lives.’ Pupils make friends and feel safe and included. The highly nurturing environment means that pupils want to come to school. As a result, their attendance is good. Those who struggle to attend receive helpful support which helps them to spend increasing amounts of time in school.