School of Sanctuary Buddies

What is 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 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.

Becoming a School of Sanctuary

We are proud to be working towards being an accredited School of Sanctuary. We are committed to ensuring that our students learn and understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and the difficulties people seeking asylum and refugees face.

What is a School of Sanctuary Buddy?

School of Sanctuary Buddies welcome new children, from different cultures, to our school and support them to settle in to life at Balliol.  Their key responsibilities are to:

• Welcome them on their first day.
• Take them to meet their class teacher.
• Take them on a tour of our school.
• Show them where to put their belongings.
• The them to the lunch hall.
• Introduce them to their friends and play with them.
• Find out what language they speak and try to introduce someone who speaks the same language.
• Find out about their hobbies and interests.
• Make them feel important.

More pupil photos to follow