Parents, pupils and staff describe St Dominic’s as a family. Every decision made by senior leaders is guided by the deep care they have for their pupils. There is a focus on ensuring everyone achieves highly. Academic learning is supported daily by therapeutic support. The ‘needs-led’ programme sits within the school’s broad curriculum. These sessions help pupils develop the skills and independence they need in readiness for adulthood. The school’s six core values, ‘I am me, I matter, I am unique, I belong, I am safe, and I am prepared’, are known and understood by all. Staff use these statements to help pupils develop appropriate behaviours that ensure everyone can learn safely. Intelligent and individualised guidance is provided to pupils if they have any difficulties in behaving as expected. Adults prioritise the identification of the significant support each pupil will need, as soon as they join the school. Central to this is working closely with families and appropriate external agencies. Prior to starting at St Dominic’s, many pupils may have missed a significant amount of their schooling. Staff are relentless in remedying any negative feelings pupils may have about education by ensuring pupils feel safe, happy and keen to learn.