SCHOOLS in Chester and Ellesmere Port which have given a warm welcome to all, especially asylum-seeking and refugee families, are being honoured with awards.

The Chester City of Sanctuary Group has recognised three local primary schools; St Martin's Academy, Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School and St Bernard's RC Primary in Ellesmere Port.

The schools, which include pupils from many different backgrounds and countries, have received the Schools of Sanctuary Award for successfully helping pupils integrate and making them feel safe in a welcoming environment.

Chester Blue Coat Primary School in Chester is one school where its work has been recognised as a welcoming and inclusive school.

Neil Gibbons from Chester City of Sanctuary commented that the school had shown itself to be a place of safety, when awarding the certificate to Christine Russell, chair of governors.

Headteacher Vince O’Brien said: “We are extremely proud. Our work with vulnerable families, asylum seekers and refugees is an important part of our school and it is great to be recognised in this way.”

Chair of governors Christine Russell added: "Chester Blue Coat is a focal point of the Garden Quarter community and it's a school that helps people understand what it means to be a part of sanctuary; extending a welcome to members of the community.

"We have pupils who speak 32 different languages at the school and have pupils who are Syrian, Russian, Chinese, Estonian and many more.

"We have got very strong policies in making sure children feel secure and safe, no matter what their background.

"After one or two years, pupils who may have only been able to speak very little English are completely fluent."

Meanwhile, St Martin's Academy in Hoole primary has been officially recognised for its work to become a safe and welcoming space for people whose lives were in danger in their own country, or who are having trouble at home and need a place of safety.

Over the course of a year, children and teachers compiled a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates their commitment to welcoming everyone as equal, valued members of the school community.

Teacher Alex Pourghorban, who spearheaded the initiative, said: "During the assembly children from each year group expressed to Neil [gibbons] how the school environment and practices have been adapted to ensure a welcoming and equal environment to all.

"We practise acceptance and celebrate cultural diversity. 

“Neil then spoke to us about what it means to be a School of Sanctuary, and praised the success of St Martin’s in showcasing their efforts to provide a secure setting. 

"We're very proud of the award and the work we have done, it's important to us and something we are very much committed to continuing in the future."

St Martin’s Academy headteacher Wenda Smith, who is also executive headteacher at Grosvenor Park Academy in Chester, guided it to an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating within a year of opening in 2013.

She said: “Being a School of Sanctuary recognises our ongoing commitment to engage with and celebrate the positive contribution of refugees and asylum seekers within our community.

“We pride ourselves on being a place where children feel safe and secure - this is the basis for all our achievements.”

Further schools are also working towards the award. They apply when they feel that they can demonstrate that they have learned about the current situation regarding sanctuary seekers and have put this learning into practice in making their schools welcoming and safe places.

The schools have also committed to share their experiences with other schools in the future and to contribute to Refugee Week activities.