Every small charity reaches a point where the scaffolding you built to get started needs to grow with you. For us, that moment is now.
We're delighted that Sara Booth-Card has taken on the role of Chair, with Paul Allington continuing as Co-Chair. Sara brings safeguarding expertise, a deep understanding of the needs of children with additional needs, and the kind of energy and determination that makes things happen.
Samantha Gair has joined as Secretary, and we've formalised our committee structure to make sure we're ready for what comes next.
What comes next
We've seen what's possible with the funding we have. Children who couldn't separate from their parents are attending independently. Children who had no friends are part of a group. Children who couldn't regulate their emotions are using strategies they've developed themselves.
But there are more children out there who need this. Children with complex needs who require intensive 1:1 support that costs more than small grants can cover. We need bigger, longer-term funding to reach them.
That's what this next chapter is about. We're applying to major funders, building our evidence base through the impact reports we publish here, and making the case that Forest School isn't a nice-to-have -- for these children, it's a lifeline.
Thank you to everyone who has got us this far. We're just getting started.