John Perryn Primary School in Acton has been the labelled the first ‘School of Sanctuary’ in the borough of Ealing, for its commitment to refugee, asylum and sanctuary issues.
The state-run primary school, which has been teaching children in Acton for over 94 years, was awarded the status by charity ‘City of Sanctuary UK’ on the 13th June following appraisal by a panel this month.
It has been praised for its commitment to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for students who have sought sanctuary.
The students at John Perryn speak over 50 different languages, and a number of the children come from refugee or asylum-seeking families.
Headteacher Leah Wright said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as a School of Sanctuary.
“At John Perryn, we have long been committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment where every child and family, regardless of their background, feels valued and supported.”
According to ‘City of Sanctuary UK’ in order to be granted School of Sanctuary status, a school must demonstrate that they have reflected and refined their school practice to provide tangible support, as well as implementing three key principles: Learn, Embed and Share.
John Perryn Primary school said it has been consistently committed to education on refugee, asylum and migration issues, providing training and education opportunities for school staff & management, as well as ensuring that learning activities on these topics are incorporated into the curriculum.
It also sought to encourage student involvement and vocalisation on these issues where appropriate, with the School Council and other student-led groups are actively involved in the process of working towards the School of Sanctuary award.
It is through all these efforts, and its ongoing commitment to sharing their progress and interacting with the broader sanctuary community beyond the school, that it was able to obtain the award.
Wright said: “Being a School of Sanctuary means more than a title for us.
“It is about living out our core values every day, championing inclusion, and helping every child to flourish.”
The school celebrated the news during national Refugee Week with an event organised by the school’s Family Support Advisor, Kelly Oatway, assisted by funding from the Ealing council.
The event acted as a celebration of cultural diversity, with global cuisine from around the world cooked by student’s families, and music provided by a steel pan band and the school choir.
The event boasted free haircuts, massages and henna, arts and crafts, and stalls from organisations such as National Energy in Action, the UK’s leading fuel poverty charity.
It was also attended by Ealing council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, Blerina Hashani.
Councillor Hashani said: “I felt moved by my visit to the school.
“Some of the families shared deeply personal stories of the trauma they’ve faced before coming to the UK and the ongoing challenges of living in a new country, but they were so grateful for the support they’ve received.”
Hashani acknowledged the way in which they took the time to learn the stories of each student and consider their experiences in their approach, as well as making every effort to make both the students and parents feel welcome at the school.
She added: “I was so impressed by the school staff, who are doing an incredible job to help pupils thrive.
“John Perryn School is a truly exceptional example of what being a School of Sanctuary is all about.”
John Perryn Primary School’s recognition comes after Ealing was awarded Borough of Sanctuary status in April this year.
Since then, the council has laid out its Borough of Sanctuary strategy, including an action plan on how they will support those seeking sanctuary in Ealing, and embolden other members of the community to do the same.
The work laid out in the plan includes providing funding for VCS organisations assisting refugees and asylum-seekers, facilitating the Homes for Ukraine programme for Ukrainian refugees, and participating in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.
Hashani said: “We now have government resources and a clear plan to improve services for refugee and asylum seekers.
“We remain committed to creating a borough that is truly inclusive and welcoming.”
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