The school received the award from the National City of Sanctuary movement after showing that it extends a warm welcome to everyone, and that children, staff and the wider school community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary.
A School of Sanctuary is a school that is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. This could be people whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a space of warmth and safety.
It is also a school which extends a warm welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community with an emphasis on supporting every child and family’s dignity.
Headteacher Claire Foster said: "We are pleased to be working in support of such an important movement and are delighted to be named a School of Sanctuary.
“We have deepened our understanding of what it means to be seeking sanctuary by really listening to children and families’ experiences and learning from the wealth of published information.
“We have increased our attention to ensure a warm welcome to our school and developed further ways we attune to individual need. We actively affirm value to every child and family and work to increase the sense of belonging for all.
“We welcome this award as recognition of the work by all of our stakeholders to ensure Windsor Nursery School actively provides a safe and welcoming place for all”.
Chair of Governors Anwarjit Bains said: “I am delighted that Windsor Nursery School has become Wolverhampton’s first Nursery School of Sanctuary and hope this fuels momentum for work towards this award across the Early Years sector. The school sets an excellent example for others to follow and I congratulate the children, staff and all our stakeholders for their achievements.”
The award was presented to the school at a celebration today (Friday 12 July) by Diana Dabrowska-Gorsca, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s English as an Additional Language Teacher Advisor.
Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “I am delighted that Windsor Nursery School has become Wolverhampton’s sixth School of Sanctuary, and the first nursery school to receive the status.
"The nursery sets an example for others to follow and I congratulate the staff and pupils for their achievements – and I hope that other schools feel inspired to apply for this status.”
The Schools of Sanctuary programme is part of the City of Sanctuary Network, a movement spread throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. For more information, please visit City of Sanctuary.
Other Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton include West Park, Dunstall Hill, Bantock and St Luke’s primary schools and Colton Hills School.
If your school would like to become a School of Sanctuary please email diana.dabrowska-gorska@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
