A Pembrokeshire school’s commitment to being a safe and welcoming place for people seeking sanctuary has been recognised with an important accolade.
Pembroke Dock Community School is the first school in the County to be awarded a national School of Sanctuary award.
It joins a national network of more than 380 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for those seeking sanctuary.
The school has welcomed families from war-torn countries, including Syria and Ukraine, and is committed to learning about the about the reasons for migration and displacement as well as the impact that this has on families.
It also provides a safe space for those having troubles at home or those that need to feel more secure.
Pembroke Dock Community School is a Gold Rights Respecting School under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, having dully embedded the principles into the school ethos and curriculum.
This includes ensuring that refugee children enjoy the same rights as all children.
School of Sanctuary Lead, Jenny Cottrell said: “It is an honour and a privilege to work closely with our refugee families. I’ve been humbled by their experiences and resilience.’”
Headteacher Michele Thomas said: “I’m really proud of our whole school community, where the pupils have learnt about what it means to be seeking sanctuary.
“We have embedded concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion by taking action and pupils understand why some people are forcibly displaced.
“To know that our school is enriched by new arrivals, and how we support learners from all backgrounds so that they feel welcome, supported and included is extremely important.”
Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, congratulated the school on its achievement.
“Pembroke Dock Community School staff and pupils should all be extremely proud of the work they have done to ensure that not just children seeking sanctuary but all children have a place to feel safe and secure.”
