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The Carr Fenton Foundation brings together five specialist services – each designed to meet different needs, at different stages of life.
Encompassing early years education, residential care, vocational training and adult employability, every service is a vital part of our mission to create opportunity through specialist education, training and care.
Each service has its own expertise and identity, but all are connected by shared values, a common purpose, and a commitment to helping people achieve on their own terms. Together, they form the building blocks of a Foundation that supports every stage of learning and development.
One shared purpose.
Little Learners Day Nursery
Our award-winning Little Learners Day Nursery offers outstanding early years education in an inclusive, nurturing environment. Open to all children, the nursery provides high-quality care with access to specialist support, including speech and language therapy, sensory play and a Forest School programme.
Here, every child is supported to explore, communicate and grow in confidence — building strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Doncaster School for the Deaf
Founded in 1829, Doncaster School for the Deaf is one of only a handful of specialist Deaf schools in the UK. We provide a language-rich environment where British Sign Language and spoken English are valued equally, and where Deaf role models inspire pupils to believe in their potential.
Our experienced teachers and support teams deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, helping every child to achieve academically, socially and emotionally — preparing them to take confident steps into the future.
Yorkshire Rose College
At Yorkshire Rose College, students aged 16–25 benefit from an inclusive, student-first approach to education. We specialise in Deaf and SEND provision, offering vocational courses, enterprise projects and enrichment opportunities that help learners discover their strengths and prepare for adult life.
Our focus on practical learning, communication and personal growth ensures every student leaves with the confidence, qualifications and experience they need to succeed — in work and in life.
Aspire to Be
Aspire to Be is our employability and adult learning service — helping adults with additional needs to gain practical skills, confidence and real work experience.
Through personalised training, job coaching and community partnerships, we open pathways into employment and independence. Our recent cohorts achieved a 100% success rate from interview to job — proof of what’s possible when people are encouraged and empowered to achieve their potential.
Dickson House Children’s home
Dickson House is our registered children’s home and school residence for Deaf and non-Deaf young people. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, it provides a safe, caring and family-style environment where children are supported to grow in independence and wellbeing.
Our specialist staff understand the importance of communication, emotional development and trust. Through individualised care and education, we help every child build the confidence and stability they need for a positive future.
When Reverend William Carr Fenton founded Doncaster School for the Deaf in 1829, his vision was simple yet radical: to give Deaf children access to learning, language and belonging. That same belief still guides us today. Deaf education isn’t just part of our history – it’s part of our DNA.
The heart of our community
The d/Deaf community sits at the heart of our Foundation. Across all our services, Deaf culture, language and identity shape everything we do. We’re proud that so many of our staff, pupils and students are Deaf, working and learning alongside hearing peers in an environment built on mutual respect and understanding. Our interpreters, communication support workers and Deaf role models are vital to daily life here, ensuring that everyone can participate, contribute and belong.
This community connection gives our Foundation its strength: we don’t simply serve Deaf people; we stand with them.
Communication without barriers
We know that communication looks different for everyone — and we embrace that.
For some, English may not be a first language. Others may use British Sign Language (BSL), Sign Supported English (SSE), or rely on visual or written communication.
That’s why we use a flexible, person-centred approach — making sure that every message, lesson or conversation is accessible. We prioritise visual communication, provide interpreters where needed, and create environments where people can express themselves fully and confidently.Across the Foundation, staff receive ongoing Deaf awareness and BSL training, helping to build shared understanding and a genuinely inclusive culture.
Celebrating Deaf culture and language
Our BSL Team leads accredited and community learning programmes that help bridge communication gaps and promote Deaf culture. BSL is embedded across our services — from the classroom to the workplace — affirming our belief that Deaf identity and language are something to celebrate, not accommodate.
Through events, partnerships and outreach, we continue to raise awareness of Deaf heritage, history and the invaluable contributions of Deaf people to our organisation and beyond.
Inclusion through action
Inclusion is more than policy – it’s practice. We ensure that videos, visual materials and accessible formats are used throughout our communications, so that everyone can engage with our work in the way that suits them best.
Our Deaf staff lead training, shape curriculum design and contribute to decision-making. Deaf learners have a voice in shaping their education and environment. Together, we’re building a place where everyone can thrive, communicate and belong on their own terms.
Looking Forward
Our commitment to the Deaf community is not only about preserving history, it’s about shaping the future. We’ll continue to invest in Deaf leadership, representation and advocacy across all our services, ensuring the next generation of Deaf children and young people can see themselves reflected in their teachers, mentors and role models.
We’re also proud to have a Deaf member on our Board of Trustees, ensuring Deaf perspectives help shape decisions at the very highest level of the Foundation. For nearly 200 years, our work has been guided by one truth: when Deaf people are understood, included and empowered, everyone benefits.
British Sign Language
is at the heart of who we are.
As champions of Deaf education and communication access, we believe language builds bridges. BSL connects Deaf and hearing people, brings communities together, and opens doors to understanding, inclusion and opportunity.
We’re proud to promote, teach and celebrate BSL across all our services:
- Staff across all services receive ongoing BSL training, ensuring that communication and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.
- Yorkshire Rose College includes BSL and communication skills as part of its curriculum.
- Doncaster School for the Deaf offers a bilingual learning environment where BSL and English are valued equally.
Whether you’re just starting out or building on existing skills (and whether you’re a family member, an employer or a curious learner) our BSL Team offers a range of courses designed for learners, professionals and organisations.
By learning BSL, you’re not just learning a language – you’re helping build a more connected, inclusive world.
Start with our free online course
We offer a free, non-accredited online BSL course that you can complete at your own pace. You’ll learn everyday signs including:
- greetings and introductions
- numbers and people
- travel and transport
- hobbies and daily life
It’s a perfect first step into learning BSL and understanding Deaf culture.
Start learning today: www.doncasterdeafsign.org.uk
Accredited Courses
For learners who want to take their skills further, we deliver accredited BSL courses at Levels 1, 2 and 3. These are taught by our specialist tutors and Deaf role models, providing the highest quality of language instruction in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Courses run throughout the year and can be tailored for groups, schools, and community organisations.
Contact our BSL team.[@todo LINK]
Deaf Awareness Training
Our Deaf Awareness Coordinator works with employers, educators and local organisations to create workplaces and communities that are more accessible and inclusive.
We offer tailored Deaf Awareness programmes to help teams:
- communicate confidently with Deaf colleagues, customers and clients
- understand the barriers faced by Deaf people
- make practical changes that improve inclusion
Enquire about Deaf Awareness training [@todo Link]
Keep Learning
Finished our course or want to explore more? Visit www.spreadthesign.com – a free global sign language resource featuring over 400,000 documented signs.
Our Integrated Therapy in Education Model
Every learner at The Carr Fenton Foundation has access to integrated therapeutic support.
Our therapists are part of a wider, connected team that includes educators, care professionals and families. Together, they create consistent, holistic support around each individual, promoting wellbeing, confidence and lifelong skills.