School of Sanctuary
We were delighted to be awarded our School of Sanctuary status in September 2019 and are currently in the process of renewing this status. The award recognises Riverside as a place of welcome and sanctuary for all those who need it. Mrs Elson started our journey towards the award in 2017 with an assembly launch led by our wonderful EAL Champions, highlighting the plight of those who have to flee their homes, families, friends and school to a place where they will feel safe.
As a School of Sanctuary Riverside Primary and its school community aims to extend a hand of friendship to those who need it; making everyone feel equal and valued as part of our ‘school family’.
We regularly provide our children with a wealth of experiences which help them to understand and appreciate the cultures of other countries and indeed of our pupils.
Refugee week continues to be an important part of our learning throughout the school lead by Mrs Elson.
Our School of Sanctuary Pledge
As a School of Sanctuary, we have signed and aim to fulfill this pledge.
“We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to).
We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our context. We expect our branches or local groups (if any) to support their local City of Sanctuary group if one exists, and will facilitate contact between them and their local City of Sanctuary group.”
We are willing for our organisation’s name to be added to a list of supporters of City of Sanctuary, linked to our website. We are also willing to be contacted by City of Sanctuary with further ideas for how we can turn our support into practical action and to discuss ways we might work together to promote the vision further."
Why are Schools of Sanctuary important?
A survey by the Refugee Council in 2011 found that 82% of British people believe protecting the most vulnerable is a core British value.
However, negative attitudes towards asylum seekers, fuelled by incorrect media headlines, are common.
However, negative attitudes towards asylum-seekers are common. Many people get confused between asylum-seekers and economic migrants and think asylum-seekers are here to get jobs or benefits.
In fact, an asylum-seeker is someone who says their life is in danger in their own country and has applied to stay in the UK. The UK asylum system is extremely tough. People often get moved around whilst their claim is decided and there is a lot of uncertainty. Housing is often sub-standard and financial support is low.
Refugees make a huge contribution to the UK. 18 refugees have become Nobel Laureates, 16 refugees have received knighthoods. Many refugees are doctors, nurses or teachers.
“Children seeking asylum contribute very positively to schools across the country. This in turn enables more successful integration of families into local communities” (Office for Standards in Education)
Creating a culture of welcome in school provides a place of safety for children going through a difficult time and helps to make communities more inclusive.