School of Sanctuary
St Margaret’s Awarded School of Sanctuary Status
We are delighted to announce that St Margaret’s has become the first school in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to be awarded School of Sanctuary status. This prestigious recognition celebrates our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all pupils, particularly those seeking sanctuary.
What is a School of Sanctuary?
A School of Sanctuary is a place where everyone feels safe, welcome and included. It is a school that aims to build a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, such as refugees and asylum seeking families. Schools of Sanctuary provide a space where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Schools play an active role in building a culture of welcome by connecting with local refugee organisations and collaborating with other institutions to raise awareness and advocate for a kinder approach towards those seeking safety.
Our Journey to Becoming a School of Sanctuary
The journey to becoming a School of Sanctuary involves meeting specific criteria and demonstrating a sustained commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Here’s how St Margaret’s has achieved this status:
- Creating a Welcoming Environment:
We have implemented various initiatives to ensure that all pupils, especially those from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds, feel welcomed and supported. This includes buddy systems, cultural celebrations, and multilingual welcome signs throughout the school.
- Raising Awareness:
Education plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and empathy. Our curriculum includes lessons on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, promoting discussions on human rights, and encouraging pupils to engage in social justice projects.
- Staff Training:
Our staff members have undergone specialised training to better understand the challenges faced by sanctuary seekers and to provide the necessary support. This training includes workshops on trauma-informed practices and cultural sensitivity.
- Community Engagement:
We work closely with local organisations and community groups to provide additional support for our pupils and their families. This collaboration ensures that our initiatives are responsive to the needs of our community.
- Pupil Leadership:
We encourage our students to take active roles in promoting inclusivity and support for sanctuary seekers. Pupil led groups and councils organise events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns that foster a culture of empathy and acceptance.
Impact on Our School Community
Achieving School of Sanctuary status is more than just an accolade; it reflects the ethos, vision and values that underpin everything we do at St Margaret’s. This status reinforces our dedication to ensuring that every pupil feels valued and respected. It also empowers our pupils to become compassionate global citizens who understand the importance of standing in solidarity with those in need. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone in our school community who has contributed to making St Margaret’s a place of sanctuary. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to upholding these principles and ensuring that our school remains a beacon of hope and support for all.
For more information on our initiatives or to get involved, please contact the school office or visit our website. Together, we can continue to make a difference and build a more inclusive future for everyone.