New initiative supports staff wellbeing at Doncaster Deaf Trust
Doncaster Deaf Trust has joined forces with an innovative wellbeing programme to help support staff with their own health and wellbeing. The Trust, which employs more than 300 people and manages Doncaster School for the Deaf, Communication Specialist College Doncaster, Little Learner’s Day Nursery, Aspire to Be employability programme and Dickson House care home, has created a Wellbeing Forum, made up of staff from across departments as part of its comprehensive wellbeing strategy. The Trust has also
New care home ‘mock room’ opens at Aspire to Be
A new simulated care home ‘mock room’ providing hands-on, practical job experience has opened at Aspire to Be, the Doncaster-based innovative employability service. Managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust (DDT), Aspire to Be provides adults aged 19-60 across South Yorkshire who are deaf/hard of hearing, neuro diverse or those who have any other communication difficulty, with the opportunity to develop their skills and supports them into work. The mock room replicates a room in a residential care home and
Deaf Awareness has a new official stamp of approval in South Yorkshire
Organisations, schools and businesses in South Yorkshire who have taken part in Deaf Awareness training are receiving a stamp of approval from Doncaster Deaf Trust during Deaf Awareness Week (May 5 – 11). More than 15 organisations will initially receive the official stamp to confirm that members of their team have taken part in Deaf Awareness training. The stamp was designed by three pupils/ students whose winning designs have been incorporated into the stamp. Noah Groom Jones and Jade Hutchinson
New Headteacher appointed at Doncaster School for the Deaf
Doncaster School for the Deaf has appointed Sarah Barton as its new headteacher. Sarah, from Doncaster, has 24 years of experience in the education sector, has held various leadership roles, including managing and leading the Service for Children with d/Deafness or hearing loss, leading the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, in Doncaster and providing emotional support for families of newly identified d/Deaf babies. Her most recent post was Assistant Director and Head of Education, Skills and
Artwork in the frame at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
The amazing artwork of an accomplished Deaf artist has gone on display at a Doncaster college for students and staff to enjoy. Six pieces of work by Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq, who is a well-known Deaf artist, have now adorned the walls of the Deaf Education Centre, a new specialised Deaf provision at Communication Special College Doncaster which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust. The Deaf Education Centre, which opened last year, provides students with comprehensive support in their preferred
Get d/Deaf aware this Deaf Awareness Week
Businesses, non-profit organisations and community members from across Doncaster are being invited to a free Deaf Awareness workshop at Doncaster Deaf Trust to mark Deaf Awareness Week (May 5-11, 2025). The special session, taking place in Parker's Café, on Wednesday May 7, will provide attendees with practical tips and strategies to improve communication with d/Deaf people. Alexis Johnson, chief executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: "We are pleased to be offering this Deaf Awareness session
Deaf Education Centre appoints Curriculum Manager
The Deaf Education Centre (DEC) based at Communication Specialist College Doncaster has appointed its first Deaf Education Curriculum Manager. Amy Smith-Patrick, aged 32, has joined the recently opened DEC to develop the curriculum, work with students and the community. Amy, originally from Teesside, said: “I am passionate about Deaf Education and bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds. This job stood out to me as an opportunity to bring together my passion for SEND and Deaf
Doncaster Deaf Trust to host inspirational Deaf role models for Sign Language Week 2025
Doncaster Deaf Trust is set to celebrate Sign Language Week 2025 with a series of exciting events for pupils, students, and the wider community. The Trust will welcome three Deaf role models who have broken barriers in their respective fields, offering pupils and students an opportunity to learn, engage, and be inspired. During Sign Language Week - which runs from March 17 to the 23 - the events will feature visits from two Doncaster Deaf Trust Ambassadors, Scott Garthwaite (known as 'Punk Chef'),
Generous donation funds new music room for pupils and students at Doncaster Deaf Trust
Pupils and students at Doncaster School for the Deaf and Communication Specialist College Doncaster have a new purpose-built music room thanks to a generous donation to Doncaster Deaf Trust from OneCall Insurance. The facility at Doncaster Deaf Trust is located in its wellbeing garden and accessed by all of the trust’s services, including its deaf community. The £15,000 project features a range of musical instruments for the pupils and students to use. The funds from OneCall have enabled both the
Pupils at Doncaster School for the Deaf Explore Inspiring Career Paths
Pupils at Doncaster School for the Deaf are broadening their horizons through an expanded careers curriculum, featuring motivational visits from successful deaf professionals. Secondary school students have welcomed inspirational deaf visitors who have shared their unique career journeys, providing valuable insights into professional success and overcoming workplace challenges. Recent notable visitors included Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq, a talented deaf artist who discussed her artistic career and
Friends tackle ultramarathon to raise more than £4,500 for specialist college
Two friends rose to the challenge of a 50-kilometre ultramarathon and raised £4,542 for a specialist college that educates and cares for students with communication needs. Alex Jamison, from Doncaster, and Bastiaan Buijtenhuijs, from Manchester, took on the recent Ultra X 50 England event to raise funds for Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD). Held in the Peak District, the X 50 saw runners race across some of the best trail running locations in the country, taking in remote terrain
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New British Sign Language course starting in November
Doncaster Deaf Trust is launching a new British Sign Language course next month at its Leger Way base. The level one course starts on Thursday, November 7 and runs for 32 weeks (term time only), with each weekly lesson lasting two hours. Open to the public, the lessons are from 5.00pm-7.00pm each Thursday, with spaces limited. The cost is £450, which also covers three assessments, with payment plans available. The Trust introduced a new series of level one and level two courses in August this
Doncaster Deaf Trust expands therapy services to empower D/deaf and SEND pupils and students
This week, to mark Allied Health Professionals Day (October 15), Doncaster Deaf Trust is celebrating expanding its on-site therapy services. The comprehensive team of specialists dedicated to supporting the communication, physical, and sensory needs of its pupils and students, is set to grow even more with current vacancies to boost the offer. Led by recently promoted therapy manager Lauren Woodcock, the multidisciplinary team includes Carl Dalton, a speech and language therapist and qualified
Specialist employability service opens its doors to local businesses
An innovative employability service in Doncaster is asking businesses from across South Yorkshire to attend its first open morning to learn more about its provision. Aspire to Be, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust, is for adults aged 19-60 from across South Yorkshire who are Deaf/hard of hearing, neuro diverse or those who have any other communication difficulty, helping to make a valuable difference to their lives by developing skills and supporting them into work. The service works closely
Doncaster School for the Deaf Celebrates 195 Years with exhibition and gala dinner
Doncaster School for the Deaf, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, is set to kick off its 195th anniversary celebrations this October with a free public exhibition and a gala dinner event. The anniversary exhibition will be held on Saturday, 12th October 2024, from 12pm to 4pm in the school's sports hall. Open to the public with no booking required, the exhibition will showcase a rich display of historical photographs and artifacts, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the school's long-standing heritage
Thomas and Logan Secure Jobs with Support from Aspire to Be
Two young Doncaster men with autism disorders have landed jobs at a leading warehouse company thanks to specialist employment service Aspire to Be. Thomas Brown, 18, who has ADHD and is autistic, and Logan Coulthread, 20, who has Asperger’s, recently started work with Doncaster-based GXO. Thomas, from Scawsby, and Logan, from Doncaster, are both registered with Aspire to Be (ATB), the employability service of Doncaster Deaf Trust. ATB offers tailored, sector-specific training for those aged
Redemption Target as Friends Tackle Ultramarathon to Raise Funds for Specialist College
Two friends will tackle an ultramarathon in the Peak District to raise vital funds for a specialist college that educates and cares for students with communication needs. Alex Jamison, from Doncaster and Bastiaan Buijtenhuijs, from Manchester, will take on the Ultra X 50 England event on Sunday, September 15, with all money raised going to Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD). The X 50 will see runners race 50 kilometres across some of the best trail running locations in the country,
Fundraising drive launched for Doncaster employability service
Doncaster Deaf Trust has launched a fundraising drive to help support the growth of its pioneering specialist employability service. Aspire to Be is for adults aged 19-60 from across South Yorkshire who are Deaf/hard of hearing, neuro diverse or those who have any other communication difficulty helping to make a valuable difference to their lives by developing their skills and supporting them into work. As part of its approach, the service, on Leger Way, boasts five ‘simulated work’ areas - a
Scarborough Boy Who Is Deaf Shines at Doncaster Specialist School
A 10-year-old Scarbrough boy who has been deaf since birth is reaching his full academic potential by attending a specialist Deaf school in South Yorkshire. Dariens Upesjuris attends Doncaster School for the Deaf during the week and also lives in its residential home, Dickson House, returning to his family in Scarborough every weekend and on school holidays. The Year 5 pupil was born fully deaf in both ears and had two hearing aids fitted at about nine months old. His mum, dad, brother and grandma
Specialist Employability Service in Doncaster Now Accredited to the Matrix Standard
Aspire to Be, a specialist employability service here in Doncaster, has been accredited to the matrix Standard. In a nutshell, this means that the team has demonstrated the high quality of information, advice and guidance that they provide to their clients. The innovative service, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust, offers tailored, sector-specific training for those aged 16-60 with SEND. The project aims to build on personal skills and provide opportunities to increase confidence, self-esteem,
New Trustee Joins Doncaster Deaf Trust
Sian Webster, Director of Development at Yorkshire Housing, has joined the board of trustees for Doncaster Deaf Trust; an organisation which itself oversees Little Learners Day Nursery, Doncaster School for the Deaf, Dickson House Children’s Home, Communication Specialist College Doncaster and Aspire to Be employability services. Reflecting on her appointment to the board, Sian said: “I am thrilled to join the board of Doncaster Deaf Trust. This is a wonderful organisation with a real vision for the
Doncaster Deaf Trust Appoints New Director of Quality and Support Services
A new role has been developed at Doncaster Deaf Trust, focusing on quality and support services. Natalie Firth, aged 38, from Doncaster, has taken up the new position in senior leadership and will be working to deliver strategic priorities set out in the Trust’s five-year plan. Natalie said: “I am thrilled to be in this new position for the Trust. I’ve worked for the Trust, as Deputy Manager and then Manager at the award-winning Little Learners Day Nursery for 17 years and have spent my career in
Students With Communication Difficulties Gain Work Experience at Asda
Six students with special educational needs (SEND) from Communication Specialist College Doncaster have gained valuable work experience at ASDA. The group have been undertaking a variety of roles at ASDA’s Gliwice Way store. A group from the college attended an industry visit where students had the opportunity to see behind the scenes at the popular supermarket and learn about different job roles. Annette Price from Communication Specialist College Doncaster, said: “We want to say a huge thank you
New Principal Set To Widen the Menu at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
Communication Specialist College Doncaster has appointed a new principal to lead the organisation. Laurent Berges joins the college, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, with 27 years’ experience of working in the post 16 Further Education sector. His previous roles included Group Executive Director of Curriculum at DN College Group (which consists of Doncaster College and North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe), Group Director of Teaching Leaning and Assessment, also at DN Colleges Group, preceded by 15 years as
International Visitors Head to Doncaster for Final Meeting of Sign Language Project
Visitors from Turkey, Germany and Portugal are heading to Doncaster to meet with the UK team from Doncaster Deaf Trust for the final meeting of an international sign language project focusing on tourism. The group, who have worked on the Vocational Sign Language on Tourism project, co-funded by Erasmus and the European Union, will meet in Doncaster on April 20 and 21 to discuss the transition of the project. Alexis Johnson, Chief Executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are very much looking
Businesses Set To Mark Deaf Awareness Week in Doncaster
A celebrity chef and a legal executive are on the menu for a special business breakfast to mark Deaf Awareness Week in Doncaster in May (May 3). Deaf celebrity Punk Chef, Scott Garthwaite, an ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust will be putting on a demonstration for guests at the business breakfast and Carrie Clewes, an associate chartered legal executive in discrimination from Ringrose Law will share details of what the BSL Act will mean for businesses. Throughout the week children, pupils,
Employers Across the Country Support Students at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
A team who are dedicated to work experience, skills and employment at a specialist college are celebrating 18 months of success. In that time, the careers team from Communication Specialist College Doncaster — an established education provider in the city for post 16 students with additional communication needs —have flourished and worked with almost 60 businesses. Suzie Beaumont, Careers and Work Experience Manager at Communication Specialist College Doncaster, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust said:
New Head and Leadership Team Announced at Doncaster School for the Deaf
Doncaster School for the Deaf has named Jane Goodman as its new Headteacher, as part of a restructure at Doncaster Deaf Trust. Jane becomes Head of the school after working with the organisation for some 30 years,15 of which were as Deputy Head. Alexis Johnson, Chief Executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are thrilled to announce Jane’s new role as Head of Doncaster School for the Deaf. “Jane has been a fabulous ambassador for the School and the Trust for three decades. She becomes the
Doncaster Employment Service Enhanced With Mock Work Zones
A specialist employability service in Doncaster has created a range of simulated work environments to give people hoping to get into work hands-on, practical job experience. Aspire to Be, which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust and helps adults with learning disabilities and other difficulties gain life skills and employment, has enhanced its unique provision with the addition of four new ‘mock’ areas - a warehouse, retail shop, café and soon-to-be completed catering section. The service, which
Specialist Team That Helps Children and Young People Communicate Is Set To Grow
A specialist therapy team at Doncaster Deaf Trust, that helps children and young people to communicate, is set to grow. The Trust, a specialist education charity, is set to grow its therapy service with three new posts to help pupils and students develop. Alexis Johnson, Chief Executive of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to be expanding our vital therapy service for our children and young people. Along with our onsite audiologist, the therapy team are a real part and parcel of
Little Learners Day Awarded By National Day Nurseries Association
Little Learners Day Nursery, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, has been awarded Millie’s Mark by National Day Nurseries Association in collaboration with Department for Education and Millie’s Trust. The nursery, based at the Leger Way site, has been once again awarded ‘Millie’s Mark’, a Quality Mark for nurseries where employees working directly with children are trained in paediatric first aid. Natalie Firth, head of nursery said: “This is such an important quality mark for nurseries to achieve and we
New Partnership With CAST Is Fostering Drama Talent at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
Students at Communication Specialist College Doncaster are benefitting from a new partnership with CAST. Weekly drama sessions, led by experts from the local theatre, are being held for students who are Deaf, hard of hearing or who have communication difficulties. Emma Lucy, Tutor from Communication Specialist College Doncaster, said: “We are thrilled to be working with CAST to help our students to gain new skills. “All the students are really enjoying their drama sessions each Friday and I am
Little Learners Named Favourite Day Nursery in Doncaster for the Fourth Year
A Doncaster nursery has been named the Favourite Day Nursery in the town, for the fourth year running at the recent Doncaster Mumbler Awards. Little Learners Day Nursery has won this award every year since the awards began in 2019 and staff, parents and children are celebrating this fourth accolade. The nursery, based at Doncaster Deaf Trust, is for both hearing and deaf children. The annual awards are voted by parents from across the city Natalie Firth, nursery manager said: “We were speechless
Jamie Gets His Dream Job Thanks to Support From Aspire To Be
A young man from Intake is singing the praises of a local specialist employability service that has helped him into work. Jamie Bates Blanford (22) has a learning disability and had been struggling to get employment for many years. This was starting to affect his confidence and self esteem, so he turned to Aspire to Be (which is managed by Doncaster Deaf Trust). The service helps adults with learning disabilities and other difficulties gain life skills and employment. Aspire to Be works with
New bespoke wellbeing facility opens at Doncaster Deaf Trust
A specialist wellbeing room, to support the mental health and enrichment of young people with communication difficulties, has officially been opened at Doncaster Deaf Trust. The space, which supports students at the Trust’s Communication Specialist College Doncaster, was funded by a number of key partners including: the Hospital Saturday Fund; VCSF Fund; Co-op Local Community Fund; Arnold Clark Community Fund; and the South Yorkshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Meanwhile, contributions
‘Outstanding’ Residential Provision for Students at Communication Specialist College Doncaster
Residential provision for students studying at Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD) has been graded ‘outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted report. The residential lodge, part of Doncaster Deaf Trust, has retained its outstanding status that was previously given in an inspection in 2012 and then again in 2017. CSCD provides individualised programmes of study to young people who are deaf, hearing impaired, have autistic spectrum condition or a communication difficulty. Young people access
Car Restoration Project Is a Real Award Winning Triumph!
Students on the motor vehicle course at Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD) are celebrating a real triumph of a restoration project. The group have been working on an old Triumph Gloria saloon car from 1936, since before the covid pandemic, and have finally completed their work. Andy Boothroyd, course tutor said: “We are all so proud of the work that has gone into making this car look amazing again. “It was a true barn find and together we’ve stripped it down and prepped the
Doncaster Pathway Learning Mentor Celebrates New British Sign Language 999 Service
A Pathway Learning Mentor at Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD) is celebrating the launch of the new British Sign Language (BSL) 999 emergency service app ,and the fact that her grandson features in its promotional video. A new app allows users to make free calls to UK emergency services through a BSL interpreter. Karen Holdsworth, who has worked at CSCD for 15 years, is thrilled that the new service has been created. She said: “If anything was to happen to anyone, or if I was to
Celebrity Deaf Chef Is Named As Bsl Ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust
Punk Chef, Scott Garthwaite has been named as the second British Sign Language (BSL) ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust. Scott, who is passionate about championing BSL and food together, joins deaf actress Charlotte Arrowsmith in this role and will help the charity promote the use of sign language as a communication tool. The Trust, who have been providing Deaf education from the Doncaster site since 1829, manage Little Learners Day Nursery, Doncaster School for the Deaf, Dickson House care home,