A Place Where Young People Are Understood, Supported and Able to Thrive
At The Forum School, our residential setting provides specialist care and education for children and young people aged 7–19 with autism, learning disabilities and a wide range of associated needs. Many of our young people experience challenges with communication, social understanding, flexibility, sensory processing, emotional regulation and behaviour. We are here to meet those needs with expertise, compassion and consistency.
We believe every young person deserves the chance to achieve their personal best whatever that looks like for them. Our approach is calm, child‑centred and highly individualised. We use a wide range of therapeutic and educational strategies to help each young person feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
Communication is at the heart of everything we do. We value all forms of communication and create an inclusive environment where young people can express themselves in the way that works best for them. Our multi‑disciplinary team including teachers, therapists, behaviour specialists and care staff work together to build personalised plans that support communication, sensory needs, behaviour, independence and emotional wellbeing.
We offer a rich and varied environment, including classrooms, sensory spaces, therapy rooms, outdoor learning areas, sports facilities, riding arenas, a swimming pool and extensive grounds. Every space is designed to balance safety with warmth, comfort and opportunities for exploration.
Our goal
Our goal is simple: to help young people grow in confidence, develop meaningful skills, enjoy positive relationships and prepare for a fulfilling adult life.
We work closely with families and professionals, keeping communication open and honest at every stage. We want every young person to feel valued, respected and genuinely cared for and for families to feel the same.
Exciting News: Our 5‑Bed Specialist Home Is Open!
The Forum School is delighted to announce the opening of our 5‑bed residential home designed to support children and young people aged 7–19 with autism, learning disabilities and a wide range of associated needs.
This home has been created with one purpose in mind: to provide a safe, nurturing and therapeutically‑informed environment where young people can grow, learn and thrive.
A Home Built Around Individual Needs
The home offers:
A calm, structured and autism‑friendly environment.
Personalised bedrooms that young people can make their own.
Sensory‑supportive spaces.
Access to extensive outdoor areas, including woodland, gardens, riding arenas, a swimming pool and play areas.
A dedicated, highly trained staff team providing consistent, compassionate support.
Every young person will have an individualised plan shaped by a multi‑disciplinary team, including education, therapy and care professionals. Our approach is child‑centred, communication‑rich and rooted in understanding behaviour as a form of communication.
What Families Can Expect
We aim to help each young person:
Build confidence and independence.
Strengthen communication and life skills.
Enjoy positive relationships.
Access meaningful learning opportunities.
Feel safe, valued and genuinely cared for.
We work in close partnership with families, local authorities and professionals to ensure every young person receives the support they need to achieve their personal best.
What Staff Can Expect
For those looking to join our team, this is an opportunity to:
Work in a supportive, therapeutically‑informed environment.
Be part of a passionate, skilled multi‑disciplinary team.
Make a meaningful difference every day.
Receive ongoing training, development and career progression.
Help shape a brand‑new home from the very beginning.
A Place to Grow For Young People and Staff Alike.
This home represents an exciting step forward in expanding our ability to support young people with complex needs in a setting that feels safe, warm and full of possibility.
If you are a family exploring residential options, or a professional looking for a rewarding career, we would love to welcome you into our community.
Our Residential Homes
Paddock View
Riverstone View
Containing the following homes:
Laurels
Okeford