Nine years of ‘Outstanding’ excellence delivered at Dickson House Children’s Home

A specialist children's home providing care for Deaf children in Doncaster, has maintained its 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating for the ninth consecutive year.
 
The latest Ofsted rating and report cement Dickson House Children’s Home as a leader in specialised residential care.
 
Established in 2002, Dickson House provides comprehensive care for up to nine children, with six places in the main house and three in the North Flat. The home delivers both 52-week residential care and 38-week educational residential placements for students attending Doncaster School for the Deaf, one of the country's oldest Deaf schools.
 
Dickson House was given the highest Oftsed rating of ‘Outstanding’ across all three key criteria. This covers, overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected; and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
 
Inspectors highlighted that children living in Dickson House flourish, noting that ‘Children are supported by skilled and knowledgeable staff who consistently prioritise their care and wellbeing.’ The report emphasises that staff have an excellent understanding of each child and have high expectations for them, inspiring the children to reach their potential.
 
Alexis Johnson, chief executive at Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: "This is a well-deserved rating for Dickson House and we are extremely proud of the teams continued outstanding status.
 
“The report captures the truly exceptional care provided by our dedicated manager Kate Warner, and her team, highlighting her effective and inspirational leadership, which is something we see each and every day
 
“It goes on to recognise the highly individualised support for children moving in or out of the home and how the experience of living at the home transforms children’s lives.”
 
Family members described the care children receive as ‘lifechanging’ because of the high standards and opportunities provided.
 
The Ofsted report specifically praised how children are supported throughout their journey, stating: ‘The self-belief children develop nurtures their confidence and sense of identity. Children thrive because of the opportunity to identify with other deaf people as role models and the collective high levels of nurture from the whole staff team.’
 
For more information about Dickson House and Doncaster Deaf Trust, visit www.deaf-trust.co.uk