We are pleased to launch our Schools of Sanctuary initiative in Leeds
This is a new scheme which aims to:

• Promote positive attitudes within schools and their communities around people seeking sanctuary
• Support schools to take positive steps and to be proud of being places of safety and inclusion for all
• Recognise and celebrate schools that are committed to welcoming and supporting people seeking sanctuary

How can my school get involved?
We invite all schools in Leeds to get involved. The process is as follows…

a) Read the downloadable notes at the foot of this page. These contain the 3 principles to becoming a School of Sanctuary, plus suggested activities. For examples of what previous schools have done to meet each of the three principles see this document.

b) Tell us that you are starting the process of becoming a School of Sanctuary. We would like to put your school name on our website… We can also provide advice on getting started, pay you a visit, or put you in touch with other schools

c) Meet the 3 principles – follow our suggestions or carry out activities of your own

d) Contact us (schools@leeds.cityofsanctuary.org) to submit evidence that you have met the principles. There are suggestions in the notes of the type of evidence to submit.

e) Be presented with an official School of Sanctuary certificate

Why get involved?

• Create a sense of safety and inclusion for all
• Develop understanding of what it means to seek sanctuary. Dispel negative myths
• Provide learning opportunities around human rights, social justice, diversity and interdependence
• Strengthen race equality and community cohesion work
• Increase student voice and promote active citizenship
• Augment work to attain Stephen Lawrence Education Standard or other inclusion initiative

The principles in brief

1. Learn about what it means to be seeking sanctuary
2. Take positive action to embed concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion within your school and the wider community
3. Share your vision and achievements – be proud!

Other details

• Contact: schools@leeds.cityofsanctuary.org for more information about any of the above.

• See which schools have already achieved School of Sanctuary status here

• Join the Schools of Sanctuary Facebook forum. Get ideas from teachers at schools that have achieved the standard. Post queries. Share your own good practice… Just click here and ask to join: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_204555932920470&ap=1

Full details of the principles, suggested activities and evidence can be found below – as well as other useful documents to help you become a School of Sanctuary…