Mission, vision & values

At the William Henry Smith Foundation, everything we do is guided by a deep commitment to the wellbeing and growth of children and young people. This page outlines our mission, vision, and core values — the foundation of our work and the principles that drive us forward every day.
OUR PURPOSE & PRINCIPLES

What we stand for

We believe that every young person deserves more than just support. They deserve the opportunity to truly thrive. We place relationships and trauma-informed practice at the heart of all we do, creating safe, compassionate environments where young people are seen, heard, and valued.

Our mission

To champion a holistic and tailored approach, enriching the lives of children and young adults, their families, our people, and the wider community.

Our vision

To transform lives and break down barriers, empowering every individual to reach their fullest potential.

Our values

Our values guide everything we do at the William Henry Smith Foundation. They shape how we work, how we support one another, and how we create safe, caring spaces for children and young people to grow. These are the principles we live by every day.

Close collaboration

It takes a village to raise a child, and that village starts with us. We’re a team of listeners, collaborators, and supporters who adopt a curious and compassionate approach, building trusting relationships with local authorities, families, children and young adults, and our people. By understanding backgrounds, behaviours, and lifelong ambitions, we strive to build individualised pathways that are guided, encouraged, and nurtured by specialists.

Unwavering integrity

We lead with honesty, purpose, and an unshakeable belief in what we do. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, always keep our word, and work hard to earn trust from the children, young adults, families, and people we serve, leaving a lasting mark that extends beyond the classroom.

Compassionate curiosity

Every person’s story is unique, and we take the time to understand it. We ask why and dig deeper to uncover the bigger picture. With open arms and open minds, we foster safe and nurturing spaces where children, young adults, families, and communities feel fully supported. We listen without prejudice and respond with care, helping people rewrite difficult chapters into stories of growth, resilience, and limitless possibilities.

Empowering community

We are a thriving village where every voice matters, and everyone is valued. By embracing diversity in all of its forms, we foster an enriching environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported around the clock. This applies to families, communities, and our people as well as children and young adults, with a deep sense of belonging echoing throughout everything we do.

Visual thinking

We know that to inspire others, we must feel inspired ourselves. That’s why we set the highest standards. We lead by example, role modelling behaviours that help shape those around us. With enthusiasm, optimism, and unwavering belief in children, young adults, and our people, we nurture an environment where everyone is empowered to surpass what they thought possible. Our shared purpose, expert knowledge, and passion for progress drive us to build something even bigger than ourselves.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?
Our three provisions.

William Smith School Foundation currently have three provisions including the William Henry Smith School & Sixth Form, William Henry Smith Specialist College and William Henry Smith Therapeutic Children’s Home.

Our three provisions are located within a 5 mile radius of each other in West Yorkshire, in between Huddersfield and Halifax. 

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Meet our amazing governors and trustees.

Our Governors and Trustees play a vital role in shaping the direction and integrity of the William Henry Smith Foundation. With diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to the wellbeing and development of young people, they provide strategic guidance, oversight, and unwavering support to our mission.

Get to know the team Get to know the team
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Discover more about William Henry Smith Foundation.

Learn more about the heart of the William Henry Smith Foundation - who we are, what we stand for, and how we support young people to thrive. From our rich history to the values that guide our work every day, this is where our story begins.

Who we are Who we are