Senior Team
Dave Roberts
Principal
We’re delighted to introduce you to our Headteacher, Dave Roberts, who brings a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to inclusivity at Forest Moor School.
Dave embarked on his educational career as a Chemistry Teacher, with a background in Criminology and Forensic Science. His early years were spent teaching in inner-city mainstream secondary comprehensive schools. What sets Dave apart is his personal journey—he was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, a factor that deeply influences his dedication to supporting those who may face challenges in accessing mainstream education.
Upon completing his Masters in Teaching & Learning, Dave transitioned into Pastoral leadership, discovering his innate passion for inclusivity and Trauma-Informed approaches to learning. His personal experiences have driven him to make a difference in the lives of students facing diverse challenges.
In 2018, Dave joined the Wellspring Academy Trust, where he played a pivotal role in establishing SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) schools in Leeds. His leadership, particularly in the areas of Behaviour, Safety, and Welfare, demonstrated his commitment to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Dave is currently pursuing a PhD in Recruitment and Retention of Special School staff, reflecting his passion for nurturing professionals within the Special School sector. His aim is to ensure that there is a consistent supply of high-quality staff capable of excelling in all facets of Special Schools.
In September 2022, Dave Roberts was appointed as the Headteacher of Forest Moor School. He takes immense pride in leading our dedicated and knowledgeable staff. With the support of the wider Trust and the unwavering positive regard of our staff, Forest Moor School stands as a place committed to best practices in inclusive education.
Dave’s personal journey, marked by his late-life ADHD diagnosis, serves as a driving force behind his advocacy for those who may face barriers in accessing mainstream education. At Forest Moor School, Dave’s mission is to ensures that every child has the opportunity to be the best version of themselves, embracing diversity and inclusivity as core principles of our educational mission.
Sarah Parker-Walton
Assistant Principal (SENCO)
Sarah started her career in public house and retail management in and around the county of Dorset. After starting a family, she then worked for the ambulance service managing improvements to the service along with marketing.
At the age of 29, Sarah changed career and trained as a secondary science teacher starting in special educational needs and challenging mainstream schools. Sarah then moved to Bedale as a secondary science teacher delivering biology, chemistry and physics whilst contributing to the PE department after studying a sport science degree. Being passionate about developing young people’s personal skills and social and emotional preparation for post 16, Sarah led pastorally as Head of Year and teaching and learning as Head of General Studies in mainstream.
8 years ago, Sarah joined Forest Moor School as senior leadership and led changing the school culture to embrace relational practice and the understanding of supporting social and emotional development through current research. Sarah’s experience includes managing change in and out of education and extensive experience both pastorally and in teaching and learning. As SENCO Sarah’s passion is in understanding the needs of staff and pupils and empowering them to make progress both academically and equally socially and emotionally in preparation for life.
Ron Crichton
Assistant Principal (Behaviour and Welfare)
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.
Alec Scott
Vice Principal
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.
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.
Teaching Team
KS2
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.
KS3
About Me
I have over 25 years of experience of working in education. The majority of this time has been spent in mainstream primary schools in London, Norfolk, Essex and Bradford. The last four years have I have taught in an S.E.M.H. setting.
Why Forest Moor School?
I wanted to work in an environment that helped pupils, who have a number of challenges to overcome, to progress in their education. I believe that my vast experience could be employed to enhance the life chances of our pupils, so that they can begin to fulfil their future potential and be able to take advantage of a greater range of opportunities.
Passion for Education: I believe that it is a privilege to contribute to an individual’s intellectual and moral values, to foster personal growth, and prepare individuals for active participation in society. It is immensely satisfying to help provide our pupils with the knowledge, skills, and morals they need to live happy, fruitful lives.
Outside Interests
I enjoy watching sport, playing cricket and socialising with friends and family.
About Me
I began my proper working career as a Youth Worker with a focus on supporting vulnerable young people particularly those with Autism. I Have had a few roles relating to youth work for local authorities and charities. I qualified as a primary school teacher but quickly moved in to working in specialist provisions. I have worked for Wellspring Academy for over 5 years and started at Forest Moor in Easter 2021, moving from another of our SEMH schools in Seacroft, Leeds.
Why Forest Moor School?
I enjoy working with young people and feel that the ethos at Forest Moor, around focusing on supporting young people’s social and emotional development just as much as their academic development, very much aligns with my own values. Working at Forest Moor provides many opportunities to help young people succeed and what’s great is that no two days are the same.
Passion for Education
I believe that all young people should get the opportunities and support they need to achieve in school and this is what we strive to offer at Forest Moor.
Outside Interests
Outside of school, I like to go away in the campervan with my family and our dog Islay (she can also be seen around school during the week.) I also have a passion for basketball which I play weekly for a local team.
My name is Dave Greenwood and I am a KS3 teacher.
I have worked in education for nearly 20 years both as a TA and as a teacher. My decision to work in special education came from a family member who has additional needs so I knew that I wanted to help others with needs from an early age.
I came to Forest Moor on supply over 2 years ago and immediately saw the strength and commitment of the staff team. The journey the school has been on is amazing and it is an honour to be part of it. The difference we make to the pupils’ lives is fantastic and I could not imagine a better staff team to deliver the schools ethos of unconditional positive regard.
My passion for education goes deeper than just academic learning. At Forest Moor we work on the entire aspect of a pupils well being and offer a bespoke curriculum that meets the pupils EHCP and SEMH needs. This enables us to give the pupils the greatest chance for success in the future.
In my free time I am an avid martial artist and love to read. I am a history teacher by trade so love anything historical.
I am currently doing my second year of teaching at Forest Moor. I wanted to work in an SEMH school after spending time in one of our other sites during my teach training year. Having worked with children and adults with additional needs in the past, I knew that I wanted to continue my career helping others with needs.
The Forest Moor team has been so supportive along my teaching journey and we all work together to get the best outcomes for our young people. It has been a pleasure to see so many successes for our pupils over the past year at Forest Moor and the differences that we make to our pupil’s lives.
The constant unconditonal positive regard that we provide our children with is so valuable and this drives the positive relationships that we have with our children. I love being outside and animals.
I currently bring my dog ,Dobby-Nigel, into school on a Wednesday and Friday as I have seen the impact that animals can have on the pupil’s wellbeing and have recently introduced chickens into our school to give our young people another space to enjoy.
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 chose to work at Forest Moor as I had previously volunteered between year 1 and 2 of my primary education degree. I have always wanted to work in Special education, and I really enjoyed my time here as a volunteer. I came to work here when wishing to leave my previous school (a generic special needs school with a focus on ASC) and came across a job advert.
Since working at Forest Moor, I have had several opportunities to develop my career, firstly I took charge of the PSHE curriculum, then I was able to take a lead of key stages, firstly KS3 and latterly KS2. This year I have been able to develop my subject knowledge and leadership of a whole school subject – Maths – as I have been appointed Head of Maths. This is a role which I am excited to undertake as I would like the opportunity to lead a core subject across the entire school.
I plan to develop myself as a practitioner and eventually move into a SLT role. Forest Moor helps me with this by facilitating further CPD within coaching and supporting networking opportunities”
KS4
Shaun Payne originally started as a Teaching assistant and sports coach in mainstream for 3 years, then moved on to SEN autism specialist school for 6 years where I was a Teaching assistant both with a class and 1 to 1 at times too. I’ve worked with a range of different classes and Key stages. I have worked with students with a range of different needs. These include Autism, PDA, ADHD, ODD, High functioning etc. I always do my best to promote
equal opportunities to help my students achieve their full potential in a safe and caring environment. I value, encourage and celebrate diversity that I feel is highly important in a modern world. I adapt my approach to help meet every learner’s needs. I specialise in Autism, PDA and ADHD achieving qualifications in these areas.
My biggest achievement I am proud of is the work I did with the learner with PDA. I was working with this learner for over a year. This learner made huge improvements in various aspects of his school life, including coming into school, changing of clothing, taking on roles around the school etc. The local authority was very happy with the way this learner has improved. From a very shy and anxious child who wouldn’t come into school he became an extremely happy and bubbly person, who walks into school with a huge smile on his face. It was a fantastic experience to work with a PDA student and to learn in depth about PDA as well as how to deal with difficult situations. I managed to set him up for a very successful future and in life. It was great seeing what I and this learner achieved throughout the time working together. It was a miracle as well as life changing.
I joined Wellspring Academy Trust in 2022 as a General Teaching assistant within 2 months, I’ve been promoted twice as an ATA and Construction instructor. I have recently received a third promotion as a full time Instructor and Tutor for KS4. I have done a level 3 AET course and am looking at becoming a qualified teacher in the future. This is by far the best school and staff I have ever worked with.
About Me
I have worked across a range of Secondary schools within the Leeds and Bradford area teaching English, and Drama at KS3/4/5. I have undertaken various pastoral roles within these mainstream settings such as Head of Year and Director of KS4 overseeing key areas such as behaviour and attainment. I then moved into leading and managing the North West Leeds KS3/KS4 SEMH alternative provision for several years before taking my current role as subject leader at Forest Moor.
Why Forest Moor School?
I know that this school is especially committed to promoting creative learning opportunities for children, and this is something that interests me personally. I wanted to become part of a highly committed team and add my own skills and experience to further strengthen the high-quality experience that this school offers its students.
Passion for Education
I always hope to set challenging standards for myself and do expect this of others as I feel strongly about extending and driving students’ talent and progress forward enriching their educational experience leading to better life chances. My aim would always be to raise English standards across Forest Moor School doing whatever it takes to ensure that each pupil achieves their full potential to secure the brightest of futures.
Outside Interests
I have a range of interests such as collecting vinyl records, fashion, and the arts. I regularly attend music festivals and gigs around Yorkshire. Planning to return to Australia next year (my favourite holiday place) for more sailing, diving and sunshine! “
About Me
After completing my Psychology degree at Birmingham University in 2021, I wanted to take some time for myself and headed off on a solo travelling trip around Europe. Without sounding too cliche, the trip gave me a whole new perspective and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue the career I have always wanted in education. On my return, I worked in an SEN holiday club, which gave me the connections I needed to come in contact with Forest Moor School.
Why Forest Moor School?
When I heard about Forest Moor School’s aim to improve life opportunities for young people, I knew this was the place for me. Their focus on unconditional positive regard, unique ways of learning in and outside the classroom, and flexible consistency, drew me to be a part of this team.
Passion for Education
Having a not so smooth sailing time at secondary school myself, I am passionate about giving young people a positive experience in education and allowing them to see the value in themselves as individuals. Having the opportunity to play a part in turning young people’s lives around for the better is a privilege. Additionally, having started as a teaching assistant and now a food tech instructor, I am gaining invaluable experience for my next steps in becoming a qualified teacher. Outside Interests: When I’m not socialising with work colleagues and other friends, I enjoy going to the gym for both my mental and physical health.
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.
Support Staff
KS3
About Me
I have worked in SEN and SEMH educational settings for the last 3 years, I’m also studying Psychology at University part time.
Why Forest Moor School?
I was drawn to work at Forest Moor School due to their unique values such as unconditional positive regard for every student & the innovative and flexible ways of learning they provide.
Passion for Education
I am passionate about looking at education holistically and adapting education to students’ SEMH needs, in order to enable them to reach their potential and increase their life chances. “
I have worked with all ages of children for over 20 years, in various settings however predominantly within schools. Alongside my lengthy experience, I have two degrees in child development and education studies.
My previous experience was within mainstream education and I was ready for a new challenge, and to give children support in a more pastoral capacity. Forest Moor enables me to further utilise my skills and experience within interventions, and to support our children on a more individual basis.
Out of work I enjoy arts and crafts, shopping, films and spending time with family and friends.
KS4
About Me
I have worked in admin for many years and have recently started working in schools.
Why Forest Moor School?
I decided that I would like to come and work at Forest Moor as I like been able to help people due to my caring nature.
Passion for Education
I believe that everybody should have equal opportunities
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.
I came to Forest Moor after working with children with different special educational needs such as autism, ADHD, selective mutism etc whilst working with these childrens I realised that I had a passion for working with children with SEN needs and SEMH needs.
I started at Forest Moor through an agency and they suggested that Forest Moor would be a good fit for me, I said I would rather go into an SEMH setting than SEN and they gave me FM.
I worked at a nursery for two years prior to starting at Forest Moor, 1 year I was working and doing my college course at the same time.
I have progressed to where I am now through various training and building my relationships with all the students.
I have moved from working at a nursery and doing placement in primary schools to being a GTA at Forest Moor and being in a variety of classrooms, from then I have changed my position to care team.
My plans in the future is to go down a pastoral route and to explore safeguarding more. I believe Forest Moor can help me with this as they provide accurate training and also offer external support to get people when they want to be.
I have worked in Education for over 10 years within the Bradford District and North Yorkshire specifically supporting children with ASC, PDA, and ADHD.
I have been at Forest Moor School since 2020 and started as a teaching assistant to become part of the Care Team supporting the whole school during a time of many changes and challenges.
I am now KS3 Care Team Lead supporting behaviour, safety and welfare and delivering our on site team teach intermediate training to new and current staff and across the Wellspring Trust.
I understand personally the impact SEMH and other needs can impact a child and families life and hope to give our children and families the support they require.
I look forward to hearing or seeing you soon!
Mrs H x
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.”
Hi, my name is Miss Dance and in my current role at Forest Moor School I support pupils that are struggling with attendance, by creating Attendance Care Plans. All our Attendance Care Plans are individual and are tailored to meet the needs of our young people.
I am based in the Willow Suite, where my team supports young people back into education by delivering interventions, which help build confidence, self esteem and resilience.
You will see me around school with my sidekick Duncan (miniature dachshund). He is a therapy dog in training and he has made tremendous progress, this has been documented in his performance management meeting.
School Dogs
Louie
Louie is a 9 year old Labrador who has been working in SEMH schools for the past 4 years. Louie originally started working at Springwell Leeds where he met Oscar and they have both found themselves working at Forest Moor School.
Louie lives with Mr Roberts and his two favourite things are being read to whilst lying on a sofa (or a child) and doing taxi duty to see everyone arrive. Louie works most Monday’s, Thursdays, Friday’s and car shares with Oscar.
Oscar
Oscar is an 8 year old Labrador. He has been working in SEMH for 4 years. Oscar started going to Springwell Leeds with Mrs Crichton where he met Louie. Since then Louie and Oscar have been friends so it is nice that they are back working in the same school.
Most weeks Oscar is in school on a Wednesday and Friday.
Oscar’s favourite things to do in school are walks in the woods and eating out of bins (which he is not allowed to do). Oscar also likes to meet and greet the students when they come to the main office.
Islay
Islay is a 1 year old Black Labrador Retriever who has worked at Forest Moor from when she was 4 months old. She loves going out for walks on the school site with pupils and running around the school fields. She has lots of energy but can also be found at times, sitting quietly on a sofa whilst being read to by pupils.
Islay lives with Mr Plowright and comes into school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Islay is always up for a game of fetch or a cuddle on the floor (or sofa).
Dobbie-Nigel
Dobby-Nigel is a 5 year-old cocker spaniel cross lurcher.
Dobby tends to come to school on Wednesday and Friday but does make special appearances on other days if he knows we will be going for a long walk!
Dobby loves coming to Forest Moor, he particularly enjoys playing fetch at lunchtime with the students. He also enjoys DEAR time where he falls asleep to all the wonderful stories.
Boo
Boo is a six year old Border Collie. She is black, white and brown. She normally is in school on Thursdays.
Boo absolutely loves coming to school to play ball with all the children. She really enjoys taxi time and giving cuddles and kisses to the students as they arrive in school.
She loves going for walks around the school site.
Duncan Curley-Dance
Duncan Curley-Dance turned one year old on the 3rd of June 2023 (Gemini). Duncan is a miniature dachshund, but he identifies as a cat.
Duncan first started working at Forest Moor School when he was just three months old, so he is fairly new to his role as a therapy dog, however Duncan has made tremendous progress and this has been noted in his Performance Management meeting.
Duncan resides with Miss Dance, he rules the roost and he keeps Miss Dance in line at home and at work.
In school Duncan hangs out with Isla (Mr Plowright’s Labrador). Isla and Duncan both enjoy running around, chasing each other, and we believe that they are in love.
Duncan enjoys spending time in class with the children, but he does not like maths. Duncan loves being cuddled or being sung to, he will howl!
You will see Duncan in school on Wednesday and Friday, please come and say hello, just remember Duncan is very small and we are all giants, so please approach him slowly and if you can go down onto your knees to introduce yourself. I warn you, he does lick!