We have our first primary school of sanctuary!  Welcome to the school of sanctuary family to Bluecoat Primary school.  It has taken a long time but it was definitely worth the wait.  The school provided an excellent application and finally, once we had agreed a date to visit the school, the assessment team had a very enjoyable visit to the school.  It was obvious that the concept of sanctuary was spread right across the school and was deeply embedded in the pastoral care the school gave to not only the pupils but also the staff and parents.

The school has developed a curriculum that celebrates diversity and puts welcome and inclusion as part of the everyday learning at the school, with children seeing themselves as a mirror and a window to their world. You can read more about it here.

There was a strong sense of mutual respect between the children and their teachers with a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the whole school, with the pupils taking a friendly interest in the visitors and were not afraid to ask us challenging questions.  Normally, it is the other way round!

Congratulations to the staff and pupils.  This award is well deserved.  The photo shows Mr Ben Jackson, deputy head and Mrs Sally MacDonald, chair of Governors with a group of pupils.