Place of safety – Oasis Academy Fir Vale accredited with School of Sanctuary status

A primary school in the heart of Sheffield has received an abundance of praise this week after they we accredited with the School of Sanctuary status, for the second time with the academy holding this title for the next four years.

Schools of Sanctuary is a growing network with more than 300 primary and secondary schools all committed to supporting the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, creating a culture of welcome, and raising awareness of the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers.

High aspirations and expectations – during the application process the academy must show and highlight how they would engage and work with sanctuary seekers. Oasis Academy Fir Vale model and set high aspirations and expectations for every child and young person and member of staff, including striving for personal as well as academic success and achieving outcomes that drive social mobility, and give everyone freedom of choice through their lives.

Agnieszka Freeman, Teacher at Oasis Academy Fir Vale, commented saying; “We are thrilled to be awarded the School of Sanctuary status for the 2nd time running. We work tirelessly to ensure all our families are welcomed and supported from the first day since arriving in our school.”

“Our first Refugee and Asylum Seekers' Awareness Week has been well received and our numerous charitable events to include Ribbons for Ukraine and Summer Fair for our Mozambique charity improved our children's and Families' understanding of Sanctuary Seekers."

To achieve the ‘School of Sanctuary’ status you must visibly demonstrate that you provide an inclusive space for children while also establishing an environment that celebrates cultural diversity, and Oasis Academy Fir Vale have done just that.

The academy supports its pupils, staff and the wider community to understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community.