School of Sanctuary

What is a School of Sanctuary?

A School of Sanctuary is a school that is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for those seeking sanctuary. It is a space for those whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for space where they can feel safe.

A School of Sanctuary is a school that helps its students, staff and wider community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal valued members of the school community.

It is a school that is proud to be a place of safety and inclusion for all.

Becoming a School of Sanctuary

We are proud to have been accredited as a School of Sanctuary. We are committed to ensuring that our students learn and understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and the difficulties people seeking asylum and refugees face.

Our curriculum ensures that there are opportunities to learn, understand and take actions around the themes of human rights as well as diversity, inclusion, refuge and migration.

Who and what is involved?

A whole school approach is essential.

• Staff are committed to providing a curriculum that supports the School of Sanctuary principles and ethos.
• Governors are fully supportive of our commitment as a school community to work towards School of Sanctuary status.
• Children are involved with an awareness of what it is, as participants involved in helping others e.g. as Buddies, at clubs, involvement in charitable works.

• We invite parents in to engage in workshops and coffee mornings.
• Parents are informed of the work surrounding the School of Sanctuary accreditation via the website
• We invite speakers into school to work with children on the themes involved in School of Sanctuary.
• We hold special themed timetabled days to focus specifically on learning about refugees and people seeking asylum.