Doncaster Children’s Home for Deaf Children Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

Described as a "home away from home" for deaf children and young people, Dickson House is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. 

For the past two decades, this residential care home (part of Doncaster Deaf Trust) has been providing 52-weeks-a-year care for students of Doncaster School for the Deaf.
 
Kate Warner, manager at Dickson House said: “I was here when we opened our doors in 2002, along with Maria Dixon, our deputy manager, and am so proud to be leading this superb facility 20 years later.
 
“There are very few specialist schools for the Deaf in the UK and even fewer that offer outstanding residential support for children alongside their education.
 
“We look after children who need weekly, or term-time accommodation while they are at school. We can also accommodate pupils who are in the care system, who can stay with us for 52 weeks a year"

Dickson House can provide accommodation for up to nine children with deafness as their primary need. The home is a large six-bedded building in the grounds of Doncaster Deaf Trust, with a three-bed annex attached.
 
The house has lots of spacious communal areas, including a playroom with access to computers and games, a TV lounge, dining room, kitchen and a garden. The young residents also have access to a wide range of facilities that are available on site, such as six acres of playing fields, as well as football pitches, tennis courts and a sports hall.

Kate added: “We’ve looked after and cared for so many children and young people over the past 20 years and we look after them as if they were our own children. There are lots of outings to the local cinema, swimming pool, wildlife park and sports clubs. There is never a dull moment!

“Our team has created a calm, settled, family-based environment in Dickson House that enables the children to grow and develop in a safe and secure environment. 

“Partnerships with parents, professionals and carers allow our young people to access a range of support, resources and facilities in their local community. 

“This outstanding facility means that children from across the country can have access to the specialist education they need, even if it isn’t on their doorstep.
 
“Over the past two decades we’ve welcomed children from all over the country and helped them to learn in an environment that is set up to meet their needs. Our teams communicate with them using their first language, British Sign Language, and they are surrounded by their peers who can all communicate with them using sign language.
 
“We’re looking forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary with our staff and residents and look forward to caring for more deaf children in Dickson House in the future,”
 
For further information about Dickson House visit www.deaf-trust.co.uk/childrens-home