Celebrations as Holton becomes first Vale primary school to be awarded School of Sanctuary Status
Holton Primary School in Barry has become the first primary school in the Vale of Glamorgan to achieve School of Sanctuary Status
In order to become a School of Sanctuary, Holton had to demonstrate an understanding of what it means to be someone seeking sanctuary, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and caring environment for those people in need of help.
The panel commended the school’s “naturally welcoming and friendly environment,” and were impressed with how the school “not only ensures that children feel part of the school community, but also their parents, families and wider community.”
The panel continued: “It is evident that Holton Primary School is the centre of the community they serve. Overall, there exists a clear and purposeful strategic vision which sits with all of the School of Sanctuary values.”
To celebrate their achievement, Holton Primary School hosted an award presentation earlier today which the Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, and MP for the Vale, Kanishka Narayan, attended.
Cllr Burnett said: “Congratulations to the staff, children, and members of the wider school community that have worked so hard to achieve the School of Sanctuary award for Holton Primary School.
“Becoming a School of Sanctuary is not an easy task, requiring a whole school effort and going above and beyond statutory requirements, and Holton is a truly exceptional example of what School of Sanctuary is all about. You should all be very proud.
“The Vale has a proud history as being a place that welcomes people from all around the world, and the work that is being done as part of our Schools of Sanctuary and County of Sanctuary pledge will ensure that this tradition continues.
“It is so encouraging to see that two of our schools have already achieved the status, and with all the hard work being carried out by schools across the Vale, there will be more to come in the future.”
The Schools of Sanctuary network is a group of more than 1000 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms in the UK. So far, St Cyres Comprehensive School is the only other School of Sanctuary in the Vale with another twenty-two currently working towards the award.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council encourages all of its schools to become Schools of Sanctuary and is part of the Vale’s pledge to become a County of Sanctuary. As a County of Sanctuary, the Vale promises to ensure it is a welcoming place for all and creating an inclusive and empowered environment for people seeking sanctuary.