City of Sanctuary UK Guidance to Help Schools Navigate Conflict and Misinformation
Some children or young people may have experienced protests outside hotels, marches, or heard conversations at home about immigration or seen recent media coverage.
As schools we want to ensure that we address misinformation, as well as support children and young people who may be affected by this, in full knowledge that schools do have a statutory duty under the Equality Act to ensure that children with protected characteristics are not disadvantaged. It is important to help all children and young people to develop an understanding of the situation of people who come to the UK as migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and develop mutual respect, empathy and understanding.
Also, children living in temporary accommodation may feel unsettled due to their housing situation which is questioned by the current situation. Schools will want to ensure that they are aware of children who are affected by this and provide additional support where needed.
You will find further information on the Educational Psychology & Specialist Support (EPSS) website's Supporting Children during times of conflict - Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Conflict and War: A Guide for Adults.
City of Sanctuary UK message
In response to widespread misrepresentations of schools' activities regarding inclusion for sanctuary seekers and their families, and of Schools of Sanctuary as a whole, the City of Sanctuary UK team have issued some guidance to schools engaged in sanctuary work.
"Far right actors have been circulating false and inflammatory material about City of Sanctuary UK and our Schools of Sanctuary programme. This material includes dangerous misrepresentations of school activities and is being used to mobilise people to protest.
In positive news, several media outlets have produced clear pieces dispelling misinformation including from the Newcastle Chronicle, BBC, Bristol Post. Thoughtful and factual coverage from trusted local voices can help to dispel misinformation and make our messaging challenging these misrepresentations of Schools of Sanctuary most impactful.
Otherwise, whilst we have removed all lists of organisations involved with City of Sanctuary from our website, we understand a list of schools is being circulated.
We also know that some schools are being contacted on social media, by email or by post, by parent/carers and local community members and in a small number of cases by local media or far-right groups.
To help you as the situation continues, please see below our guidance to respond to this situation.
Advice and Guidance
1. We strongly recommend you do not engage with any messages of harassment, hostility and/or threats. These should be reported immediately to the police and social media platform, if relevant. Please also notify us of any of these cases, or other cases of concern by emailing [email protected] to help us document threats across the network.
2. We recommend you do respond to genuine concerns, from parent/carers or other relevant parties, either with a template response (see below) or by directing them to a statement on your website.
3. Review your school social media privacy and security settings, including online content about Schools of Sanctuary activities and restricting comments on relevant content.
4. Ensure your school webpage on Schools of Sanctuary is up-to-date with the suggested messaging and includes a link to our FAQs.
We're deeply sorry to see the widespread misrepresentations of schools' activities, and of Schools of Sanctuary as a whole. Please keep us informed of any incidents and reach out if you need direct support.
Messaging Guidance
What is a School of Sanctuary?
A School of Sanctuary is simply a school that makes sure every child and family feels safe, welcome and included. It might mean having a class discussion about kindness, starting a buddy scheme for new arrivals, or learning about different cultures. The aim is simple: to support children seeking sanctuary and to help all pupils grow up in a school community built on compassion and belonging. Find out more here.
Thank you for your continued commitment and please know we stand with you.
In solidarity,
City of Sanctuary UK"
You can learn more about the Schools of Sanctuary programme and award scheme in an online webinar on 16 September 2025, 16:00-17:00. Register here to attend this webinar.
Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary
Norfolk schools are supported to have a culture and curriculum of welcome and belonging through the Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) graduated offer which includes a package of support for schools wanting to achieve Sanctuary Status.
The Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary package of support aims to help schools:
- Combat misinformation and hostility and build understanding and empathy.
- Increase staff expertise and improve school provision to better support students seeking sanctuary.
- Support and inspire more people to join the movement of welcome.
Learn more about Schools of Sanctuary and how it supports statutory requirements around safeguarding. RSHE and equalities in our Schools of Sanctuary One Minute Guide.
There is further support around responding to queries and concerns on the Schools of Sanctuary Padlet.
Do you need more support?
Join our Flourishing in Education Network. Its aim is for Norfolk based educators to network, focusing on RSHE (relationships, sex and health education), EDIB (equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging) and MHEWB (mental health and emotional wellbeing).
If you'd like to:
- Talk to your local School of Sanctuary Lead about how becoming a School of Sanctuary could benefit your school
- Get advice or support for working with sanctuary-seeking pupils, or pupils affected by misinformation
- Challenge misinformation about sanctuary seekers
...please call 0333 313 7165. This phone line is open on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm.
