Pupils love their school. They are happy and feel safe and valued. Staff know pupils as individuals and help them to develop socially, emotionally and academically. Pupils and staff enjoy positive and productive relationships. Pupils are excited about learning. They gasp with joy when they have new experiences. Pupils learn through exploration and gain new knowledge through carefully planned and well-sequenced activities. Staff encourage all pupils to develop their ability to communicate and to become more independent. Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Pupils listen to stories, handle objects to deepen their understanding, read in different contexts and, as appropriate, use their phonics knowledge to decode words. Pupils understand the importance of reading and enjoy their phonics lessons. One pupil exclaimed, ‘This is so much fun!’ as she learned new sounds. Staff have high expectations of every pupil and this allows them to thrive. Pupils study an ambitious curriculum which helps to prepare them for future learning and adult life. It is delivered exceptionally well in classrooms and outdoors. The curriculum is further enriched by a range of other activities, including trips and visits. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They know that they can talk to adults if they have any concerns. Pupils trust staff to quickly deal with the rare instances of unkindness that may occur.