Our school is currently involved in the process of becoming a School of Sanctuary

What is a School of Sanctuary?

A School of Sanctuary is a place of welcome for all.

It educates about why people are forcibly displaced.

It recognises that the UK is enriched by new arrivals.

It supports pupils from all backgrounds to feel seen, supported and included.

 

Why become a School of Sanctuary?

Schools are often at the forefront of receiving and supporting those forcibly displaced and it is important that all schools recognise the need to pre-emptively prepare for the arrival of a new student who is seeking sanctuary.

Schools do not need to have children from sanctuary -seeking backgrounds within the school community to become a School of Sanctuary but should instead, consider how they might welcome children seeking sanctuary should they start and look at other ways to support people seeking sanctuary at a local, regional, national or international level.

Working towards becoming a School of Sanctuary also provides schools with a powerful focus 

  1. Meeting the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. 
  2. Imaginative re-engagement with required curriculum areas such literacy, language arts,  geography, history, humanities. 
  3. Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education and Values’.
  4. Building a school culture that reduces intolerance, hate speech and bullying. 
  5. Increasing pupil voice and promoting active & engaged citizenship. 
  6. Engaging families and strengthening the school’s role in the local community.
  7. Improving the provision of English as an additional language in school. 
  8. Helping to improve pupil outcomes and attendance – students that feel safe and included will be more likely to attend schools.
  9. Promoting well-being & community cohesion by building an empathetic school environment.

 

What are the Steps to Becoming a School of Sanctuary?

Step 1

Sign an organisation pledge of support,

Step 2

Connect to Schools of Sanctuary:

Step 3

Review what your school already has in place or has done to date to meet the award criteria.

Step 4

Submit an application outlining your evidence of having met the criteria to your Schools of Sanctuary contact.

Step 5

Once awarded, share the news on the school website, social media and through local news outlets.

Pendoylan CIWPS