Doncaster care home handed '˜outstanding' Ofsted rating

Dickson House Care Home, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, was honoured with the top rating possible by Ofsted inspectors.

The facility provides accommodation for children with hearing difficulties all-year-round while they study at Doncaster School for the Deaf.

Bobbie Roberts, chair of trustees for the Deaf Trust, said: “We are thrilled that the latest Ofsted report highlights the fantastic work undertaken by our care home staff on a daily basis.

“Dickson House provides specialist care for children who are Deaf or have hearing problems and the care provided is tailored to meet individual needs.

“Our thanks go out to our dedicated team who put a great emphasis on communication and enhancing children and young people’s social skills.”

Dickson House provides housing for five children with sensory impairments in a large five bedded family home in the grounds of the trust.

The care home has a variety of spacious communal areas including a play room with access to computers and games, a TV lounge, dining room, kitchen and a garden.

Young residents also have access to a wide range of facilities that are available on site such as twelve acres of playing fields, as well as football pitches, tennis courts, a sports hall and a swimming pool.

Alan Robinson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “Our care home is an integral part of our offering at Doncaster Deaf Trust and we hope to expand and develop our care provision in the future.

“Doncaster School for the Deaf is a specialist school which often attracts students from outside of the local area and as such our ability to offer suitable care is paramount to the success of the school and its pupils.

“Our aim is to provide high quality care and support to children and young people, especially those with sensory impairment, within a nurturing and caring environment and this Ofsted report is clear that we are achieving this.

“This is an important time for specialist education providers to showcase the difference they can make to young people’s lives and we are proud to be continuing our long history of doing just that.”

This latest inspection comes after Doncaster School for the Deaf was handed an overall good rating - the second highest possible - after a visit by Ofsted in January last year.

The report stated: “Throughout the school, pupils make good progress from their starting points as a result of expert teaching and pupils’ very positive experiences in school.

“Teachers and their assistants bring high levels of expertise to their teaching.”