The Mulberry Bush School was founded by Barbara Dockar – Drysdale. During World War 2, as part of the national evacuation campaign, Dockar- Drysdale had provided refuge in her home in rural Oxfordshire for children placed away from home during the aerial bombardment of London.
She became especially interested in finding ways to meet the needs of some of the children who seemed mistrustful of caring relationships, and often displayed challenging and disruptive behaviour. During the post-war reconstruction period the Government recognised the specialist nature of her work with traumatised children and granted the ‘Mulberry Bush’ school status in 1948. During the 1950’s ongoing discussions with Dr. Donald Winnicott helped Dockar- Drysdale conceptualise the model of residential therapeutic treatment which she later termed ‘the provision of primary experience’.
National and international interest in the work of the Mulberry Bush grew through the publication of her books ‘Therapy in Child Care’ (1968), ‘Consultation in Child Care’ ( 1973), and ‘the provision of primary experience’(1990).
Today the Mulberry Bush Organisation campaigns to influence government policy, and public and professional awareness of the needs of children with severe attachment disorders. The school still provides high quality therapeutic residential treatment, and our outreach Training and Consultancy Department provides support to the staff of schools, children’s homes, and organisations who work with emotionally troubled children.
In 2007 the film ‘Hold me tight, let me go’ made by award winning documentary film maker Kim Longinotto, received critical acclaim and was shown at film festivals around the world. This created a resurgence of interest in our work, and has led to a creative sharing of ideas on meeting the needs of emotionally troubled children with people from the countries and continents listed on this page.
John DiamondChief Executive
john.diamond@mulberrybush.oxon.sch.uk
Tel: 01865 300202 ext 257