Christ Church CE Primary School

We are very proud and pleased to announce that we are a School of Sanctuary.

Christ Church is committed to being a welcoming, caring Christian community. We have worked closely with Wirral's Multi Ethnic Advisory Service to gain accreditation for our good practice in understanding what it means to be seeking sanctuary and the struggles asylum seekers and refugees face.

We are not just a sanctuary for those whose lives were in danger in their own country, but to any pupils who are experiencing difficulties at home or are just needing a place to feel secure and safe. We extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the school community. We are proud to be recognised as a place of safety and inclusion and we extend a hand of friendship to those who need it; making everyone feel equal and valued as part of our Christ Church family.

What is a School of Sanctuary?

Schools of Sanctuary is a growing network with more than 400 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.

Driven by teachers, school staff, parents, governors and community groups, the School of Sanctuary network supports the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, raising awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system, challenging misconceptions and building social cohesion. This growing network is supported by the umbrella organisation City of Sanctuary UK. 

As a School of Sanctuary, Christ Church is a school that is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. 

Why are we a School of Sanctuary?

All of our pupils are valued as individuals and are equal to one another. We regularly provide our children with a wealth of experiences which help them to understand and appreciate the cultures of other countries and indeed of our pupils. Our curriculum ensures that there are opportunities to learn, understand and take actions around the themes of human rights as well as diversity, inclusion, refuge and migration.

As a School of Sanctuary, we are committed to:

  • fostering a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, including asylum seeking and refugee families.
  • educating the whole school community about the human right to sanctuary and identifying practical means for schools to demonstrate that commitment.
  • building empathy and intercultural awareness through promoting the voices and contributions of people seeking sanctuary, encouraging an understanding of the experiences of displaced people and helping to combat stereotypes.

Who helped us become a School of Sanctuary? 

Being a School of Sanctuary involves the whole school community:

  • Governors are fully supportive of our commitment to promote positive attitudes within our school.

  • Staff deliver an excellent curriculum which supports the School of Sanctuary principles and ethos.

  • Children are able to foster an awareness and understanding of the cultural contexts within which they and others live.
  • Parents are informed of the work surrounding the School of Sanctuary accreditation via the website.
  • Members of the local and wider community are invited into school to work with children on the themes involved in School of Sanctuary.

How did we become a School of Sanctuary?

We followed three simple principles to becoming a School of Sanctuary:

1. LEARN about what it means to be seeking sanctuary.

2. TAKE POSITIVE ACTION to embed concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion within school and the wider community.

3. SHARE your vision and achievements - be proud!

How can I find out more about Schools of Sanctuary?

Please click on the links below for further information and support:

    • Learning about Refugee Rights – Explore the story of Ali Özdemir, a young Syrian refugee blinded crossing the border between Syria and Turkey. Age 7-11, Amnesty International
    • Football Welcomes – Refugee rights and the contribution of people from refugee backgrounds to the UK. Age 7-14, Amnesty International
    • You Me and Those Who Came Before – Focuses on history of migration and building empathy with those starting new lives. Age 7-14, Red Cross
    • Stand With Refugees – Creative activity ideas. Age 7-14, OXFAM
    • Rohingya Crisis – Learn about OXFAM’s emergency response, age 7-14.
    • Peacemakers – A book and online resources for schools wanting to bring fresh approaches to pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development.

If you would like further information about School of Sanctuary, please click here to arrange an appointment with Mrs Fenwick.

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