Founder’s Welcome

Here I am over 60 years later, still involved in special education, having been told as a young teacher that I couldn’t have special education training because if I got married I would be: ‘a waste to teaching’. Not true. Luckily, I had a forward looking tutor who pushed through my application.

I’ve been involved in many aspects of education from play groups to secondary special education for many years and managed to fit in 5 years as a teacher overseas in a Bermuda Special School.

Overley Hall was established by my husband and myself in 1980, we were both trained special education teachers and from our previous experience realised there was a great need for residential education for many children with special needs.

We purchased the building from the RNIB who ran a ‘Sunshine Home’ for children with visual impairments there from 1950 – 1979. The independent school/home was established to provide a specialised, residential learning and living environment in a peaceful rural setting for children and young people who have a range of complex needs.

Over the years Overley has gone from strength to strength.

Sadly my husband, Paul passed away in 2008 and I have since remained the sole Proprietor of Overley Hall with the help of my daughters Emma and Rebecca and Overley’s Senior Management Team.

I am very proud that Overley has helped many children and families. We have remained a small establishment which has allowed us to ensure we retain a nurturing and friendly environment, which we know is the ideal.

There are 24 children from 9 – 19 years old at Overley Hall and Wellingtonia Children’s Home. We also have a purpose built adult’s home within our estate, The Woodlands. Our adult home continues to nurture our ex-pupils into an independent adult life.

The Overley Hall estate now includes Overley Hall School, Wellingtonia Children’s home, the Lodge and Adult Care Services – Woodlands.

I hope our website gives you an idea of our very special ethos.

Mrs. A. Brown
Founder

Overley Hall is such a special place, we are very fortunate to be able to see the achievements of the Young People and Adults daily.

There is a special type of magic at Overley which cannot be felt or re-created elsewhere.

Lynn Thompson Managing Director