Parents and carers

At Doncaster School for Deaf Children, we believe education works best when school and home work together. Families are at the heart of everything we do – from early communication support to celebrating achievements along the way. We value your insight, welcome your feedback, and want you to feel part of our community every step of the way.

Our families tell us they value the open communication, care and teamwork that define our school. We keep in close contact through meetings, messages, reviews and events — and we’re always happy to talk if you have a question or concern.

Pupils should arrive a few minutes before lessons begin to settle in and prepare for the day.

Breakfast, after-school clubs and residential routines at Dickson House may follow slightly different schedules.

The school uniform plays an important role in promoting a sense of identity, pride, and belonging within the school community. It supports high standards, reduces distractions, promotes equality, and helps ensure that pupils are dressed appropriately for learning and participation in school activities. This sets out the school’s expectations regarding uniform and appearance.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We work closely with families, professionals and partner agencies to protect the welfare of every child. All staff are trained in safeguarding and safer recruitment, and our policies are regularly reviewed in line with national guidance.

We believe that every member of our school and wider community deserves to be treated with respect and dignity at all times.

Safety and security

Our campus is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We maintain high standards of health and safety across the school and follow rigorous procedures, including:

• Ongoing staff training in health and safety and emergency procedures
• Secure digital access systems and CCTV coverage
• Regular risk assessments and site checks

We teach online safety throughout the curriculum, helping pupils learn how to protect their privacy, recognise risks, and ask for help when they need it.
Parents and carers are invited to e-safety sessions and receive regular updates so that home and school work together to keep children safe.

Wellbeing

We’re committed to promoting a positive culture of emotional safety, ensuring every pupil feels heard, valued and included. Our pastoral care team supports children to feel happy, confident and ready to learn – offering a listening ear, mentoring, and guidance whenever it’s needed.

We focus on building trust and strong relationships so pupils know there is always someone who understands them. Support is tailored to each individual and may include small group sessions, one-to-one support, or specialist input from our wider therapy team. We also work closely with Deaf CAMHS and other health professionals to ensure every pupil’s mental health and wellbeing needs are met.