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Dickson House provides specialist residential care for Deaf children and young people – one of only two registered homes of its kind in the UK. We work closely with social workers, local authorities, and education partners to create placements that meet each child’s unique needs.
Every child is different, and so is every placement. We offer flexible arrangements to suit each young person’s education, communication and care requirements:
- Overnight or short-term school residential placements, planned in advance
- Monday – Friday placements during term time
- 38-week educational placements (linked to the school year)
52-week care placements for children who need full-time residential care
Each placement is designed with input from professionals, parents and the young person themselves. Our aim is always to provide stability, belonging and a pathway toward greater independence.
We provide both long-term placements and planned term-time care for pupils whose families live too far away to commute daily. Dickson House supports children and young people:
- Up to the age of 18 (extensions considered case-by-case, with Ofsted agreement and a transition plan)
- Of any gender
- Who are Deaf (defined as a Sensory Impairment as per Ofsted registration), and who sometimes have additional needs alongside being Deaf
- Who attend, or are expected to attend, Doncaster School for the Deaf
Emergency placements
Emergency placements will be considered if:
- There is a clear service requirement.
- The child attends Doncaster School for the Deaf.
- The home can meet the child’s needs.
- Their placement will not negatively affect existing residents.
We aim to make every referral process clear, collaborative and person-centred.
- Initial enquiry
Social workers, local authority placement teams, education professionals or parents can contact us directly to discuss suitability and availability. - Information sharing
We review the child’s background information, EHCP, and any professional reports to understand needs and potential risks. - Assessment and matching
Our Registered Care Manager and senior school leaders jointly assess the referral to ensure we can provide the right level of care and support, and that the placement fits well with the existing group of residents. - Visit and introduction
Where appropriate, we invite the child and their family to visit Dickson House before moving in. This helps them get to know the home, staff and routines. - Placement agreement
A formal placement plan is drawn up, including tasks, preferred outcomes and timescales, aligning with the child’s care and education plans.
Placements are usually funded through one or more of the following routes:
- Education funding via a local authority for term-time residential provision at Doncaster School for the Deaf (38 weeks).
- Social care funding via a local authority for 52-week residential placements or Looked After Children (LAC) provision.
- Joint funding arrangements where both education and social care contribute to a child’s placement.
We work closely with funding authorities to ensure clarity on costings, outcomes and review processes.
Throughout a child’s time at Dickson House, we maintain open communication with the placing authority. Regular updates, written reports and review meetings are standard, with transparency across education, health and care outcomes.
When it’s time for transition — whether to North Flat, further education or adult services — we collaborate with all partners to ensure a smooth, well-planned move.
Do you accept emergency placements?
Occasionally, yes. We’ll always assess need, compatibility and safety first to ensure a positive environment for all residents. We will not accept an emergency placement if they do not attend the school, or if we do not have sufficient staffing levels to meet need.
Can children over 18 stay on temporarily?
Occasionally, yes. We’ll always assess need, compatibility and safety first to ensure a positive environment for all residents. We will not accept an emergency placement if they do not attend the school, or if we do not have sufficient staffing levels to meet need.
Do you only accept Deaf children?
In order to meet our acceptance criteria, children need to be Deaf or have a language disorder that requires BSL.
What are your staffing levels?
Staffing levels are high but vary depending on the numbers and needs of the young people. All are trained in BSL and specialist Deaf awareness.
How do you ensure safeguarding?
We operate under The Carr Fenton Foundation’s safeguarding policies, with regular training, monitoring and independent inspections. The home is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Can families stay involved?
Yes. We encourage family contact whenever appropriate and maintain regular communication between the home, parents and professionals.
Who should I contact to discuss a placement?
Please get in touch with our Registered Care Manager for all admissions and referral enquiries: