Wood Ley Community Primary School in Stowmarket has recently been recognised as a School of Sanctuary for the work that leaders, staff and pupils have done to create a welcoming and inclusive culture for refugees and people seeking asylum. Schools of Sanctuary are a national network of over 300 primary and secondary schools, all committed to this aim. Sandra Renwick, headteacher, said: “I am incredibly proud of our whole school community.  Multiculturalism and equality are at the heart of our curriculum, as an inclusive school, the pupils and staff strive to include everyone, no matter where they are from, or what their circumstances are.”

We know that schools across Suffolk have welcome and support pupils who are refugees or are seeking asylum. If you would like to find out more about what it means to be a School of Sanctuary, you can visit the organisation’s website Schools of Sanctuary | Building a culture of hospitality for people seeking sanctuary (cityofsanctuary.org). Alternatively, the school leaders at Wood Ley would be happy to speak with you and are prepared to welcome visitors to the school to see the work in action. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in taking up this offer.