School of Sanctuary

Bredbury Green Primary School, we are proud to be working towards becoming a recognised School of Sanctuary — a place that is committed to being a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone, especially for those who have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety. This fits so well with our vision to “inspire and empower” each child that joins our school.

We are fortunate to have children and families from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who have experienced forced migration. Our provision is shaped around understanding their unique needs, valuing their voices, and ensuring they feel a genuine sense of belonging in every aspect of school life. This includes tailored EAL and pastoral support, trauma-informed teaching approaches, and strong family engagement built on trust, communication, and respect – which is one of our school values.

Throughout our curriculum, across all key stages, we help learners develop a deep understanding of migration, displacement, and the importance of ‘welcome’. These themes are explored through PSHEE, history, geography, and assemblies, with a focus on empathy, human rights, and global citizenship. We also engage with national and local events that promote welcome and inclusion, such as awareness weeks and themed assemblies — and we look forward to taking part in Refugee Week in June through workshops, assemblies and whole-school reflection activities.

A key part of our approach is enabling pupil voice and leadership through our Inclusion Ambassadors — a group of learners in Upper Key Stage Two who are passionate about inclusion, equality, and the rights of others. These ambassadors will play an active role in leading sanctuary-related projects, planning assemblies, supporting new pupils, and raising awareness among their peers. Their work is firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular:

• Article 12 – Every child has the right to express their views in matters that affect them.
• Article 29 – Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities, and encourage respect for human rights.

As part of our journey toward becoming both a School of Sanctuary and a Rights Respecting School, we are committed to embedding these values across school life. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, heard, and valued — and we are proud to nurture a community where kindness, understanding, and welcome are at the heart of everything we do.