The School was started on its current site in 1948. Its founder Barbara Dockar-Drysdale had looked after children who had been evacuated from London during the wartime blitz.

Barbara Dockar-Drysdale, who dedicated herself, with Dr. Donald Winnicott, to understanding and finding ways of helping such children, is now recognised as a pioneer of therapeutic childcare. Her books Therapy and Consultation in Childcare (1968) and The Provision of Primary Experience (1990) still influence childcare professionals in this country and abroad.

The model of work with the children remained very similar until the late 1990’s working with a large group of up to 36 children. Between then and today, the school, whilst valuing its roots, has changed to focus on working in smaller groups and physically differentiating professional tasks through an extensive redevelopment of the site.

The site now is world class in terms of quality and provision and rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (2010).

As well as continuing to provide the highest quality on-site integrated provision the Mulberry Bush also provides consultation and training to individuals, organisations and schools across Oxfordshire and nationwide.

The recent documentary film made about the school ‘Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go’ received high acclaim and won awards internationally.

During 2008, the school celebrated its 60th anniversary year with events and an ex-pupils re-union during the summer.

The Government focus on the integration of children’s services has reinforced the value and importance that the school model has been developing since inception.