Mary Hare School is the largest residential school for deaf children and young people based in Newbury, Berkshire. With students attending from across the UK, most students also board at the school. Ofsted Social Care visits are made annually to ensure that appropriate standards of residential care are in place for the young people. Following their visit in January, the residential care at Mary Hare School was judged to be Outstanding in all areas.
From the report, it shared, ‘Children make substantial progress in the residential provision. For many children and their families, the process of moving to the school has a transformative impact on their lives’ and that ‘Residential staff… have high aspirations for what children achieve and understand the importance of their roles as primary caring staff.’
This is reflected in some quotes that are shared from families, with one parent saying, ‘My child has found a deaf peer group that has been essential in helping them to understand their identity and where they fit within the wider world and society. The school is a truly special place’, whilst another parent shared, ‘My child loves the school. The support in place is very high quality. My child is happy and content and now really engaged in their learning.’
The visit recognised that there is a ‘highly inclusive culture across the school’, with staff supporting students to explore their own individual identity and help ‘children to make important connections with their peers in the school and in wider society’.
Safeguarding at the school has also been acknowledged as being ‘comprehensive’ and ‘children’s welfare are well understood and thoroughly investigated when new concerns arise.’
The report also shared, ‘Children who previously struggled in mainstream settings are thriving socially and academically, with improved confidence and engagement in learning’, demonstrating the school’s holistic working between in-house therapists, wellbeing staff, teachers and residential staff to maximise on the young people’s potential.
Robin Askew, Principal of Mary Hare School, shares his delight in the results, “I feel proud and privileged to be leading a school that has such a positive impact on deaf children and young people. The professionalism and skills of the residential care team, alongside their colleagues from across the whole organisation, are rightly acknowledged within this report and will continue to inspire and support our deaf learners. Everyone at Mary Hare remains ambitious for our pupils in proving deafness is not a barrier to success.”
You can read the full Ofsted report on our website via the button below:
Our Open Day is a big date in our school calendar, as we showcase everything we have to offer for deaf young people.
Whether you are looking for a Primary, Secondary or Sixth Form place, our Open day is a great opportunity to get to know us. See lessons in action, find out more about our curriculum, and explore facilities and boarding houses.
We have several events throughout the year for parents, pupils and professionals. We know how important it is for you to see our school in action, to meet pupils and staff and to enjoy our hospitality.
Take a look at what else we’ve been up at Mary Hare School
