I met Jake crying in his room, writes Katherine MacAlister. It was the first day back at school so he was homesick and, with the clocks going back, his routine was out. But he was being comforted by Sally, a member of staff, who lifted him gently out of his chair, talking soothingly all the while, to lay him on his bed and lull him to sleep.

This was just one of many examples of the huge amount of care, love and dedication I witnessed at Penhurst School in Chipping Norton. It is a happy, positive school, bursting with enthusiasm and enjoyed by both pupils and teachers alike.

The children's rooms are brightly decorated and very homely. One had a Teletubbies duvet cover, photographs and a poster, another, belonging to an older boy, boasted a TV and stereo. An 18-year-old had just celebrated her birthday and her room was full of cards, flowers and balloons.

It was nearly supper time and the kitchen and dining room were buzzing with activity, while the children wound down from school by watching TV in the lounge or listening to music in their rooms. It was a familiar scene, no doubt being carried out in residential schools around the country. Except that Penhurst School educates severely disabled children and is one of only five run by NCH in the country to do so.

It is run by NCH Action For Children and costs £1 million a year to run. This is funded in partnership with the local authority but the charity also makes substantial contributions.

Headteacher David Southeard says: "The voluntary income makes up the shortfall between what it costs to run and what the local authority pays us." The staff are also boosted by many voluntary workers, keen to lend a hand in such a positive environment.

The 21 pupils are aged from eight to 18 and referred from all over the country.

David Southeard explains: "Seriously impaired children also put a huge strain on the family unit and we take away some of the pressure. Parents visit often and are encouraged to play as large a part as possible. The older these children get the harder they are, literally, to handle, which is where we step in."

But not only does Penhurst look after the children. It also educates them. "We believe very strongly that all children are educable and it's their right to go to school and receive an education." The classrooms speak volumes. They are again brightly decorated and sensual, in that they are full of things to activate the senses; things to touch, feel and smell, things that motivate.

Another main aim of the school is to prepare the children, as much as possible, for adult life. The majority will never be self-sufficient, but the more skills and knowledge they are armed with the better. "We also want to make the children self-confident, give them some control, and allow them choice. It's too easy to do everything for the boys and girls without allowing them to contribute. We want the young people to believe in their own ability and show that they are important and valued members of society," Mr Southeard says.

These children are happy. They certainly don't need or want our sympathy, but they deserve to continue being cared for in this manner. *The Children's Promise scheme is urging everyone to donate one hour of their wages to help children. Seven charities are benefiting, including NCH Action For Children, which runs Penhurst School in Chipping Norton. For further information call 0870 6071999.

Story date: Wednesday 03 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.