St Stephen’s CofE Primary School, Bradford is proud to announce its official recognition as a School of Sanctuary, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all students, particularly those from sanctuary-seeking backgrounds.
The appraisal, conducted on November 25, 2024, highlighted the school's exceptional efforts to raise awareness of migration, refugee, and asylum issues, embedding these themes into its curriculum and culture. Key achievements include:
- Comprehensive Staff Training: Staff members have undergone extensive training on topics such as migration, mental health, and English as an Additional Language (EAL), ensuring an understanding of the needs of all families, including new arrivals.
- Pupil Engagement: Students displayed deep knowledge of sanctuary-related topics through class projects, assemblies, and community engagement activities, including the creation of a school poem reflecting themes of inclusion and welcome.
- Community Support: St Stephen’s provides extensive support to families through initiatives such as English classes for parents, a clothes and food bank, and a buddy scheme to aid new students in settling in.
- Cultural Celebrations: The school hosts events such as Refugee Week and World Poetry Day, celebrating diversity and promoting awareness among students and families.
The appraisal panel commended St Stephen’s for its exemplary integration of sanctuary concepts across school life, stating, “St Stephen’s is a place of safety where everyone can belong. Their work ensures that the voices of pupils, parents, and the wider community are heard, fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment.”
Headteacher Paul Urry expressed pride in the recognition: “We are thrilled to receive this honour. Our school community works tirelessly to ensure that every child and family feels valued and supported. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to building a culture of sanctuary.”
St Stephen’s C of E Primary School joins a growing network of Schools of Sanctuary across the UK, setting an inspiring example of inclusivity and compassion in education.