School of Sanctuary
At St Michael’s we are a School of Sanctuary
A School of Sanctuary is a school that is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for those seeking sanctuary. It is a space for those whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a space where they can feel safe.
A School of Sanctuary is a school that helps its students, staff and wider community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community. It is a school that is proud to be a place of safety and inclusion for all and takes action to support the emotional health and wellbeing of its students.
Why is this award so important to us at St Michael’s?
As our Christian Vision leads and teaches us, we ‘Share, Care and Learn Together’ ensuring our school community is a place of welcome, kindness and friendship. We strive to ensure our pupils and families are supported so that all children can learn, grow and progress during their school years and beyond.
Becoming the second school in Bolton to achieve this award has not only validated the work we do as an inclusive school, our work towards the award has continued to drive us forward to continue to develop and improve our sanctuary offer to our pupils so all children can develop their sense of belonging, in the UK, in Bolton, within our wider communities and our school community.
Our pledge as a School of Sanctuary:
We support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to).
We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our context. We expect our branches or local groups (if any) to support their local City of Sanctuary group if one exists, and will facilitate contact between them and their local City of Sanctuary group.
Look at our Schools of Sanctuary hall display to see some examples of our work as a School of Sanctuary.
We are proud of our School of Sanctuary status and will continue to welcome children and families to the St Michael’s school community.
Click on the links below for more information
https://schools.cityofsanctuary.org/
www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/basics/truth.html
www.unhcr.org.uk/about-us/the-uk-and-asylum.html
www.refugee-action.org.uk/RAP/PDFbooklets/RAPbook2011_UK.pdf
