This year we are working towards the 'School of Sanctuary' accreditation. This is a growing network of more than 600 schools across the UK who are committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee their home country and are seeking sanctuary in the UK.
To become a School of Sanctuary, a school must take an intentional and reflective approach to reviewing and refining school practice in relevant areas and demonstrate that they have implemented three key principles:
LEARN Schools help their students, staff and wider community learn about what it means to be seeking sanctuary and the issues surrounding forced migration.
EMBED Schools are committed to creating a safe and inclusive culture of welcome that benefits everybody, including anyone in their community seeking sanctuary and working with people seeking sanctuary to co-produce their sanctuary efforts and practice.
SHARE Schools proudly share their values and activities with their local communities and work collaboratively to build our movement of welcome.
To learn more about 'School of Sanctuary' you can visit their website: https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/
Christ Church CE Primary School and Lewis Street Primary School recognise that children's physical and emotional health and well-being is fundamental and also believe that for children to thrive within our community, their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development should be fostered and supported. Emotional Health and Well Being has a very high profile within our schools.
The School has achieved Emotionally Friendly Schools Accreditation (EFS). This is an award led by Salford Local Authority and has very rigorous criteria.
We also have clear Safeguarding and Health and Safety Policies.
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) provides a context for supporting children's wellbeing through teaching and learning.
Our EFS Champions are Sarah Miles, Trudie Ottiwell, Tracey Redgrave, Charlene Skeels, Anne Barlow and Nicole Anderton. Children and parents can approach any of these adults for support at any time.
Christ Church and Lewis street Primary school are also completing The National Nurturing Schools Programme. This programme allows staff to develop and embed a nurturing culture throughout our schools. This enhances teaching and learning and promotes healthy outcomes for children and young people by focusing on emotional needs and development as well as academic learning in a whole-school environment. To gain recognition for the nurturing ethos and provision we have we have applied for The National Nurturing School Award.
The programme is based on the six principles of nurture which are:
