Local school achieves School of Sanctuary award with help from volunteer Veronica

We are delighted that Fearnhill School has become a School of Sanctuary.  The School made this announcement:  "We are delighted to announce that we are now officially a School of Sanctuary! Schools of Sanctuary is a national network of over 300 primary and secondary schools, nurseries, and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of inclusion for refugees and people seeking asylum. This award recognises Fearnhill as a welcoming and supportive environment for young people of all backgrounds as well as raising awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system. We are the first school in Hertfordshire to be recognised in this way and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate Refugee Week! Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to make this happen, to all staff for helping make our school the warm and welcoming place that it is, and especially to all our wonderful students!"

Our volunteer Veronica says: "I was part of the appraisal team which involved reading and discussing the application and suggesting questions to be addressed, followed by a visit to the school, meeting staff, students and parents/carers to gain an understanding of how the school of sanctuary worked in practice. It was a fascinating and heart-warming process."

Many congratulations to the School - this is so positive in terms of understanding and compassion and what a way to start Refugee Week.