Supporting Refugee and Asylum Seeker pupils - Print version

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Globally there are over 25 million refugees. Coventry continues to live up to its City of Sanctuary title [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/ethnic-minority-achievement-service-emas/schools-sanctuary] and we welcome a significant number of pupils from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and several African countries. 

Whilst schools might worry about meeting the distinct needs of asylum seeking and refugee children, not all children who have experienced armed conflict and flight will suffer from trauma and stress. There are, however, key factors that lead to these pupils being some of our most vulnerable:

  • About half of the world’s refugees are children who are often very vulnerable. They are five times more likely to have been out of school
  • Living with a parent or guardian who has also experienced, or is experiencing, stress and trauma.
  • If still an asylum-seeker, living in an uncertain situation (not knowing if one will stay in the country).
  • Living in a challenging financial situation which adds more stress to their life.
  • Living in a new place where community and social networks may be new or limited
  • Having experienced multiple traumas or stress (violence in their country of origin, losing a loved one, a stressful journey to a safe place).

Many refugee children display amazing resilience and respond positively to effective school and social care support. 

Things to consider for refugee children in your classroom:

  • Help to stabilise students or children struggling with trauma and stress by creating a reliable, daily, transparent timetable or rhythm during the school days.
  • Encourage a sense of belonging and feelings of safety and security by creating welcoming, parting and acknowledgement rituals.
  • Increase student’s self-confidence by encouraging participation.

School and most importantly the relationships formed at school can be an incredibly stabilising, positive and nurturing experience in a child’s life, which can help them move on from more challenging times. Paired with supportive help at home or in out-of-school life from parents, siblings, other family members and guardians, many children and students will overcome the challenges they are experiencing without additional help.

Further advice and support

  •  EMAS advisory teachers can provide CPD, tips and advice to teachers on how to successfully include children and students who suffer from stress and trauma in their classrooms.
  • Multilingual classroom assistants (MLAs) are available to support school staff in settling and welcoming refugee children.
  • We can also advise on access to additional mental health support.
  • Refugee pupils who have entered the UK through particular refugee schemes may be entitled to additional funded support from EMAS.
  • EMAS advisory staff can support your journey in applying to become a School of Sanctuary. 
  • The Coventry City Council Migration Team website [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/immigration-asylum] gives further information on support for refugee and asylum-seeking families.
  • The Welcome to Coventry website [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/immigration-asylum] details services available in Coventry for refugee and asylum-seeking families.

EMAS general enquiries

Address: PO Box 15
Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR

Telephone: 024 7697 5491 [tel:02476975491]

EMAS - teacher enquiries

Address: PO Box 15
Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR

Telephone: 024 7697 5491 [tel:02476975491]

Refugee Scheme pupils

Background of ARAP and UKRS Schemes

Recently, the Homes for Ukraine and ARAP (Afghan Relocation Assistance Policy) schemes have given Afghan and Ukrainian children and young people the opportunity to access the British education system and have given support to schools in regard to supporting pupil needs. The UKRS (United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme) formally known as VPRS (Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme) is a well-established scheme which has also meant that many pupils originating from countries such as Syria, Iraq, Sudan and so on have had opportunities to excel in their academic career over the past six years. These pupils often arrive with no or little English. Typically, these pupils speak Arabic, Kurdish, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Tigrinya or local dialects and so need help to access the curriculum which is delivered in English.

Who has attracted this funding

These children and their families have entered the UK to resettle as they are leaving behind significant hardships: war, persecution, trauma to name but a few. Their journey to the UK may have been long and treacherous. Pupils will need support emotionally as they adjust to their new life as well as tackling issues such as a lack of previous education and perhaps at an early stage of learning English.

Support for schools

Pupils who arrive in the UK via these schemes receive an intensive 12-month support package from a range of partners including EMAS to support education at both primary and secondary stages. Support packages will vary depending on need but may consist of:

  • Multi-Lingual Assistants (MLAs) are deployed where possible to support pupils across the city in settling into the classroom and accessing lessons in the early months
  • Visits are made by advisory teachers each term in order to assess pupil progress
  • Advisory teachers’ comprehensive CPD offer to school professionals
  • Applications for free school meals and the Coventry Boot Fund are supported by The Migration Partnership
  • Financial support - Depending on pupil age and particular resettlement scheme, schools and settings may attract a direct grant of up to £2,200 for each pupil. This can be spent on a wide range of support, including educational resources, skills and clubs, trips and experiences that enhance pupils’ educational progress. The suggested funding spend list [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7106/ideas-for-ukrs-and-arap-funding-spend], compiled by Coventry teachers, gives ideas on how this funding can be spent

More information

The Coventry City Council Migration Team website [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/immigration-asylum] gives more information on how refugee scheme families are supported before and after they arrive in the UK.

The Welcome to Coventry website [https://welcometocoventry.co.uk/] also provides further information for families on accessing Coventry services. 

If you believe that a pupil within your setting may have entered the UK through the UKRS, ARAP or Homes for Ukraine scheme and you wish to contact our advisory teaching team, then please make contact by phone or email.

EMAS general enquiries

Address: PO Box 15
Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR

Telephone: 024 7697 5491 [tel:02476975491]

EMAS - teacher enquiries

Address: PO Box 15
Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR

Telephone: 024 7697 5491 [tel:02476975491]

Supporting Ukrainian Refugee pupils

For all schools welcoming pupils from Ukraine, the EMAS specialist advisory teacher team are available to offer new arrival support and advice.

We have compiled a list of useful resources:

Language support in the classroom

PSHE lessons in the classroom

Parents

Continued education in first language

More suggestions can be found in this information guide [https://www.coe.int/en/web/children/-/resources-supporting-ukrainian-children-s-right-to-education] prepared by the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (available in Ukrainian and English).

EMAS general enquiries

Address: PO Box 15
Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR

Telephone: 024 7697 5491 [tel:02476975491]

EMAS - teacher enquiries

Address: PO Box 15
Council House
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RR

Telephone: 024 7697 5491 [tel:02476975491]

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