Doncaster School for Deaf Children

Overview

Doncaster School for the Deaf continues to be a good school, providing an environment where pupils feel like “one big family” and are “extremely well supported in their learning.” Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum that supports high achievement, with staff demonstrating deep knowledge of pupils’ needs and adjusting teaching accordingly. The school fosters excellent behaviour and strong parental confidence, with parents noting that their children have “thrived” due to small classes and dedicated specialist staff.

Strengths

• Staff possess “expert knowledge” of pupils and work closely with speech and language therapists to ensure accurate assessment of communication needs.
• Reading is taught daily through a detailed programme adapted for deaf pupils, including an adapted phonics programme for young children.
• Pupils demonstrate high independence and fluency in mathematics, supported by a focus on visual learning and vocabulary.
• The school provides rich personal development experiences, such as cultural activities and a careers programme that empowers pupils to “follow their dreams.”
• Governance has been strengthened with new governors who play an active part in supporting the school’s development.

Areas to improve

• Curriculum plans for primary-age pupils are not fully developed; subject leaders must ensure these clearly identify long-term learning goals to prepare pupils for key stages 3 and 4.
• Teachers in foundation subjects, such as art and personal, social and health education, do not always assess what pupils know accurately, leading to gaps in understanding that are not sufficiently addressed.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”