Senior Team
Natalie Sargeson
Co-Head of School
From the very start of her teaching career, Natalie has dedicated herself entirely to SEND, specialising in supporting children with ASD, ADHD, chromosome disorders, and communication and interaction needs. She began as a classroom teacher focused on building inclusive environments where every single pupil could engage and learn.
As a Level 2 Makaton Practitioner, Natalie understands the vital role a ‘Total Communication’ approach plays in helping children thrive. Her passion for understanding behaviour and safeguarding led her to build a dedicated team focused on helping pupils master emotional regulation and understand their own needs. When you speak with Natalie, you will quickly see her core drive: the firm belief that every child has an absolute right to an education in a school where they feel happy, safe, and fully supported
Alec Scott
Co-Head of School
Alec started his path to teaching by studying for a degree in Physical Education and Sports Coaching at York St. John University. Upon the completion of this degree, Alec progressed onto completing a Primary PGCE with PE specialism and was subsequently hired as a NQT at a large Junior School in the East Riding of Yorkshire where he progressed onto a Year Group Leader and the Assessment and Pupil Premium Lead.
It was in this role that Alec started to gain an interest in the holistic development of children and he completed a MA in Education whereby his thesis focussed on the SEMH Assessment and Development of Children from Socio-economic Deprivation. Following the completion of his Masters in Education, Alec moved to a large inner-city primary school where he was the curriculum leader. Alec’s continued interest in Socio-economic deprivation and SEMH development, has meant that he started to complete his Ed.D with a focus on Children’s Identity and the Impact of the Curriculum.
In April 2020, Alec moved to Forest Moor in the role of a KS3 teacher. In November of 2021, Alec was appointed as the Assistant Principal for Behaviour, Safety and Welfare on a temporary basis. In April 2022, Alec was successfully appointed as the Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning at Forest Moor.
Alec was successfully appointed to the role of Vice Principal in April 2024.
Ron Crichton
Assistant Principal (Bespoke Futures)
Ron Crichton started his career in mainstream schools as a Teaching Assistant working in inner city Leeds school. During this time Ron attended Leeds University gaining a degree in Teaching and Learning (SEN).
Ron Crichton started with Wellspring Academy Trust in 2018 as a Teaching Assistant supporting students in the classroom. He was promoted to Care Team Leader when the new SEMH schools in Leeds opened in April 2019. As Care Team leader Ron supported the pastoral needs of the students transitioning to the new school setting.
Ron left his previous role as Care Team Leader and took up a role at Forest Moor School as therapeutic lead in February 2021. After the Academy Conversion in July 2021 Ron continued to support students as therapeutic lead until April when he took up post as Assistant Principal.
Ron is passionate about Trauma Informed Practice and was involved in supporting his previous school in gaining the Trauma Informed Schools award. This is something that he intends to Achieve at Forest Moor.
Colette Miller
Designated Safeguarding Lead & Family Support (DSL)
Hi, my name is Colette Miller and I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead at Forest Moor, I have been working here for over a year now and prior to that worked at an SEMH school in Leeds for 6 years.
I have worked in SEMH for 18 years now but this is the first time in North Yorkshire. I made the move to Forest Moor to be part of their journey after becoming a Wellspring school and to learn all about how North Yorkshire works and what support they have to offer!
Gemma Ashton
Office Manager
Hi, my name is Gemma Ashton and I am the Office Manager at Forest Moor School. I came to Forest Moor in 2018, having worked for the Prison Service for 12 years. I was interested in a career change and Forest Moor seemed like the perfect place. In my role as Office Manager I ensure that all policies and procedures are followed, oversee budgets, coordinate resources and support teachers and staff in their roles.
Outside of my Forest Moor commitments, I am kept busy with my 2 children and Ralph the dog. I enjoy live music and festivals whenever I can.
Michelle Jauncey
Assistant Principle for SEMH and Inclusion
Michelle joined Forest Moor School in 2024, bringing nearly two decades of dedicated educational experience. Since beginning her teaching career in 2007, she has worked across a diverse range of educational provisions throughout both North and West Yorkshire.
Prior to joining Forest Moor, Michelle spent eight years in management, where she successfully led teams, developed school curriculum and shaped positive school cultures.
Michelle is deeply passionate about fostering inclusivity and embedding Trauma-Informed approaches to learning. She is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Teaching Team
I came to Forest Moor in 2016 with a background and expertise in outdoor education having worked in schools and outdoor centres around the UK. I led the Outdoor Education Curriculum at Forest Moor until February 2023 when I decided to move into full time classroom teaching.
Being on the edge of the Dales and having an ethos of taking learning beyond the classroom attracted me to Forest Moor School. Now as part of the Well Spring Trust I enjoy working with a diverse group of colleagues and being able to draw on expertise, knowledge and support from a wider family of schools.
I have always believed that learning and growth stretch beyond the measurement of academic achievement and that all young people are able to grow and learn when they are supported to be resilient and independent.
Graduating from the University with a degree in Psychology, my profound passion for this field led me to join Forest Moor in early 2022 as support staff. It was here that I discovered my deep affection for the school’s environment and its unwavering commitment to both students and staff.
In 2023, I transitioned into a teaching role at Forest Moor, a choice that felt like a natural fit from the very beginning of my journey here. The dedication displayed by our staff in supporting students and one another is nothing short of remarkable.
Each day in this role presents unique challenges, all fueled by our collective desire to enhance the lives of our young people. The school’s strong emphasis on individualised student needs, facilitated by effective communication and comprehensive training, is a testament to our commitment.
Witnessing the positive impact of our efforts on our students’ lives is immensely gratifying. Forest Moor not only educates but also continuously nurtures and supports my development, enabling me to evolve into the best teacher I can possibly be.
I enjoy maintaining both my physical and mental well-being by regularly going to the gym. Additionally, I have a passion for exploring the scenic wonders of our country, especially when there’s an opportunity for a coffee break along the way.
I have worked in education for 19 years as a PE and Forest School teacher. From 2012-2023, I owned my own company called Sporting Start Physical Education LTD. During this time, I worked across North and West Yorkshire delivering PE and Forest School.
In 2023 I embarked on a placement for Disability Sport Yorkshire as their Regional Manager. It was during this time, that I decided I wanted to return to the classroom and work in an SEMH school.
I started Forest Moor in 2025 and immediately saw what an amazing school it is and how privileged I am to be part of the school community.
Since 2022, I have been completing my PHD in Sport Psychology. My research area is based around how physical activity can enhance children’s mental health. I am studying for my PHD at Staffordshire University.
In the future, I would love to work towards SLT and continue with a research element to my job.
In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, including; rugby, hockey, football and cricket. I am passionate about reading and aim to share this love of reading with my class.
I have been teaching Art for many years at varying levels . I work across many different media, choosing whatever I feel is best to pass a message or feeling .
Art is an expression and I have a passion to show that anybody can use it. It can be calming, it can be frustrating and also its subject matter includes everything.
In this case at Forest Moor it can include everyone, one of the main values here.
Classroom Support Staff
Up until 2019 I had been in sales all of my career but there was always something missing. I made the choice to go back into education and started by studying Health Sciences at Harrogate College. I then went to study a Bachelors Degree in Sports Development and Mental Health at Leeds Beckett University with the idea that I could either become a coach or get involved in teaching and help support young adults with sport and mental health. Once I had graduated however, opportunities were very hard to find so I broadened my searches for employment. I was contacted by an agency representing Forest Moor School who gave me the chance to go there on a 12 week temporary basis. I was eager to do something to further my development and thought I could come here for 12 weeks while I found a coaching position elsewhere.
However, things didn’t work out like that.
Instead, I fell in love with the job and the staff at Forest Moor. Having had an extremely difficult childhood myself, I found that I could relate to and understand the young people at this school and that I could also help them in ways that others possibly couldn’t. My plans now have changed, and I now can only see my future lying here with Forest Moor. Having made the switch to becoming a permanent member of staff, and now with my imminent move to the care team, I feel that this is just the beginning of something that could last a long time. Instead of seeing myself elsewhere, I now hope to be able to develop myself further down along the pastoral route within Forest Moor with the ultimate aim to be in a position where I can most effectively care and help young people who cross my path so that they can have a better life than I had at their age.
Forest Moor has one of the most dedicated, committed and caring team of people I have ever found in any workplace. Not only is it a joy to work with such hard working colleagues, but also comforting and reassuring to know there are people just like me that struggle daily with normal things but that it is still possible to make a massive difference in the lives of others.”
Additional Support Staff
Office Staff
Care Team
About me
I have worked at Forest Moor since it opened in 2012 and have worked in the educational sector for about 20 years teaching adults with learning disabilities, young offenders and delivering planned targeted interventions. My current role is a pastoral role where I support all pupils to develop their skills and resilience to access their learning and work with outside agencies to offer the best support possible.
Why Forest Moor
I was drawn to work at Forest Moor as it was a new school opening with great opportunities for success. The extensive space allows us to work more fluidly when supporting children with differing learning needs.
Passion for education
The core values of building trusting relationships and ensuring every child is supported to be their best is my main passion for working in education, ensuring that every pupil has a pathway for progression for their future.
Outside Interests
When I am not at work I like to spend time in the community with my friends and family.
School Dogs
Ralph
Ralph is a four year old lab who lives with Mrs Ashton. He doesn’t have set days that he attends school but he is usually here a few times a week.
Ralph will usually be seen with a tennis ball in his mouth as his favourite thing to do is to play fetch. He loves going for walks on the field with the children and loves all the attention he gets. Sometimes he is sneaky and escapes from the office, you will usually find him digging through the bins around the school trying to find some tasty snacks.
If you see Ralph in school then please come say hello, but expect having to throw his ball continually for him to fetch.
Rory
Meet Rory: Our Faster-Than-Lightning School Dog!
Rory is a Sprocker Spaniel, which is a fancy way of saying he is part Springer, part Cocker, and 100% bounce. Rory lives in Mrs. Bull’s office when in school and at home lives with Mrs Bull and her family. He loves meeting new people and is always happy to come to school each day wearing his specially made Forest Moor body warmer.
Rory is a dog with the zoomies and has a LOT of energy. His brain moves at 100 miles per hour, and his legs try to keep up! He is unofficially diagnosed with ADHD and because he finds it so hard to sit still, we are even writing him his very own EHCP (that stands for Extra Happy Canine Plan).
Rory’s favorite school subject is P.E. on the field and Food Tech! When at home, Rory likes to go out adventuring in the woods, help in the kitchen (he never misses an opportunity to catch any food that is left lying around!, play with his doggy toys and snuggle on the sofa.
Even though he is super bouncy, Rory has a very special superpower. He knows exactly when a student is feeling sad or upset. When things feel a bit too loud or scary, Rory becomes a calming hero. He will sit by your side, let you stroke his soft ears, and help you to regulate. He loves to play games such as hide and seek, which is his favorite! He also loves cuddles, belly rubs and treats but don’t tell Mrs. Bull!
If you see Rory around school, give him a high five!