Welcome to Forest Moor School, where our commitment is to provide exceptional care and education to children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across North Yorkshire. I’m Dave Roberts, the Principal, and I’d like to share with you our heartfelt mission and approach to empowering every student who walks through our doors.

As the Principal of Forest Moor School, I bring a unique perspective to our educational philosophy. I’m not just an educator; I’m someone who has experienced first-hand the challenges of how ADHD can impact on academic learning and development. This personal journey has deepened my understanding of the importance of a tailored learning environment that caters to individual needs. It’s this empathy that drives me to ensure that every student here can thrive.

My passion for education stems from a desire to provide the best opportunities for those who may struggle to access mainstream education. At Forest Moor, we embrace a trauma-informed approach, fostering a positive and nurturing atmosphere where each student can flourish. We draw inspiration from the work of Carl Rogers, a renowned humanist psychologist who championed the concept of Unconditional Positive Regard.

Unconditional Positive Regard is at the heart of everything we do. It means we accept, care for, and nurture every student, valuing them for who they are. We don’t withdraw our support when mistakes are made; instead, we encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones and expand their horizons. We firmly believe that with the right guidance and support, every student can achieve success.

To make this vision a reality, we create individualised, personalised pathways for each student, tailored to their unique needs. This approach empowers them to achieve better outcomes and prepares them for positive next steps in their ongoing education, work, or training journey.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to intertwine the requirements of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), SEMH needs, and academic development, ensuring that students make progress in multiple areas simultaneously. We maintain a flexible yet consistent approach to progress, allowing our students to experience success, whether they’re navigating challenges or engaging in classroom-based learning.

We recognise the vital role that families and caregivers play in the success of our students. We welcome their active involvement and support, knowing that at times, they may also need our assistance. We collaborate closely with families, as well as with other agencies, partners, and schools to ensure that learning and life at Forest Moor School is truly successful.

 Thank you for considering Forest Moor School as a partner in your child’s educational journey. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where each student can thrive, knowing that they are valued for who they are, and that success is within their reach.