Two local schools have been recognised nationally for their efforts to create a culture of welcome and belonging for children from families seeking asylum and refuge in Plymouth.
Mount Street Primary and Millbay Academy are the first schools in the city to gain the national School of Sanctuary accreditation.
In each school pupils, parents, staff and governors have worked together, supported by the Plymouth Ethnic Minority Achievement (EMA) Team at the council to create caring communities in which children learn positive messages about equality and diversity.
This week, at the EMA Team Hub, hosted by Plymouth Teacher and Schools Alliance, Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, presented certificates to the two successful schools, and other schools keen to gain this award, joined the celebration.
She said: “We are working hard to make Plymouth a welcoming city, and it is great to see how our schools are going even further by achieving this excellent recognition of Schools of Sanctuary.
“We are really keen to encourage more of our schools to get involved. This acknowledgement and presentation will hopefully create even more interest and awareness. We know our schools do so much in this area, and this is the opportunity to celebrate that work. Mount Street Primary and Millbay Academy are true pioneers.
“It is important that schools provide the very best learning opportunities for the children while they settle in – this is why the council are working with the Schools of Sanctuary to guide schools through the whole process towards accreditation.
“I would like to say a huge congratulations to the schools for achieving this award, and for all their hard work.”
Matthew Bisco, Senior Deputy Head at Millbay Academy, said: “Millbay Academy are incredibly proud to be recognised for our continuous work in this area.
“The School of Sanctuary values are those we live and breathe. I hope that this accreditation gives further confidence to our city's refugee, asylum seeker and migrant families, demonstrating our commitment to them, and recognising the gift of having such a rich and diverse set of lived experiences within our community.
“Congratulations and full gratitude to all the staff, students and parents who are so committed and learn so much from this work together."
The Headteacher from Mount Street Primary added: “We are delighted to be re-accredited as a School of Sanctuary. This recognition reflects the values we live by every day of inclusion, compassion and community. It’s a journey we began years ago and one we are committed to continuing.”
We hope that many more schools will engage with this project. You can learn more about the School of Sanctuary awards at: https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/