Pupils join The Watkin Centre having had difficult prior experiences in education. Some of them have spent prolonged periods out of school. For many, starting at this school provides a positive reintegration into education. They develop warm and supportive relationships with staff. They are made to feel valued. This helps them to feel happy and safe. Staff support pupils to make appropriate choices about their behaviour. At times, some pupils find this difficult. Staff recognise this and spend time with these pupils to help them understand their reactions. Pupils learn how to modify these and respond appropriately. Pupils appreciate ‘brain breaks’ to help them when they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Although the school is ambitious for pupils to do well, not all pupils achieve as well as they should. This is because the school’s curriculum is not taught consistently well. This limits pupils’ knowledge and understanding of important subject content. Pupils enjoy being involved in decision-making about their school. For example, when the school first opened, they helped to devise the school rules. Pupils are keen to take up positions of responsibility, for example, on the school council.