Head’s Welcome

Welcome to Heart of the Forest Community Special School, a place where every child is celebrated, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We are proud to lead a school where inclusion, growth, and community are at the heart of everything we do.

As co-headteachers, we are privileged to lead such a vibrant and caring school community. Together, we bring our shared vision and passion for inclusive education, creating a learning environment where each student is valued for who they are. Our partnership ensures that the school is guided by a strong sense of collaboration, with a focus on nurturing both academic growth and personal development.

Heart of the Forest is a warm and vibrant special school where every pupil is valued and all achievements are celebrated. Our school is a local authority maintained special school providing the very best inclusive education for approximately one hundred and sixty pupils aged 2 years to 19 years of age. We offer a broad curriculum that is carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of our pupils, ensuring they have access to a wide range of learning opportunities and experiences. We support learners who have MALD (Moderate Additional Learning Difficulties), SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) and PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties). Places are allocated by Gloucestershire County Council and admission is at any age phase, from other specialist settings or mainstream schools for pupils who have an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan).

We understand that preparing our pupils for the future means more than just academic achievement. Our approach focuses on developing independence, life skills, and confidence, ensuring that every young person is equipped to take their place in the wider world with dignity and self-assurance. Whether it’s through vocational training, work experience, or social development programs, our aim is to empower each student to make meaningful contributions to their communities as they transition into adulthood.

We believe that this journey is best achieved through close partnership with parents and carers. Your insight and involvement are invaluable, and we work closely with families to ensure that each child’s experience is tailored to their individual needs and aspirations. Together, we build a shared vision of success, ensuring that every pupil thrives in an environment of trust, respect, and mutual support.

Our school is deeply connected to the Forest of Dean and its surrounding areas, and we take pride in being an integral part of this vibrant community. We actively engage with local organisations, businesses, and services to create opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, allowing our students to connect with the world around them. We are committed to ensuring that our pupils feel rooted in their community while also developing the skills and confidence to explore opportunities further afield.

We invite you to explore our website and learn more about our inclusive approach, the exceptional support we offer, and the diverse opportunities available to our pupils. Together, with the strength of our school community and the support of our families, we are preparing each student for a bright and successful future.

Thank you for visiting Heart of the Forest Community School. We look forward to working with you to ensure your child’s journey here is as rewarding, enriching, and fulfilling as possible. We are committed to preparing each student for life beyond school, empowering them with the skills and confidence they need to achieve their ambitions.

Lucyna Mansfield (maternity leave), Lyn Dance and Diana Denman

Co-Headteachers

head@hofschool.co.uk