Self service area unavailable
About the GTC
Registration
Standards and regulation
	GTC Networks

Achieve

Learn from each other

Access resources

Find out what's happening nationally

Connect

Engage

Teacher Learning Academy

Continuing professional development

Policy

Research

Parents

Events

News and features

GTC Publications

Teaching: the GTC magazine

Video section

Useful websites

Supporting Asylum-Seeker and Refugee Pupils Network Group

Supporting the learning of asylum-seeker and refugee pupils

The GTC’s Achieve network held its largest event so far looking at issues related to supporting asylum-seeker and refugee pupils. Sixty delegates attended the event, which addressed research, policy and practice.

National and local responses to asylum seeker and refugee pupils

Professor Madeleine Arnot and Dr Halleli Pinson presented their findings from this forthcoming research funded by the GTC. They identified limited focus on supporting asylum-seeker and refugee pupils at national level, leaving LEAs and schools to develop a range working practices. The six models of practice identified were described:

• EAL model – where support aims to improve English
• holistic model – where support contributes to social inclusion, well being and development
• minority ethnic model – where support is set within the framework of ‘raising achievement' and school improvement
  new arrival model – where support focuses on school admission and induction
• race equality model – where support focuses on raising awareness of cultural differences and pupil vulnerability in that respect
• vulnerable children model – where support ensures access to education and to information about rights and available services.

The researchers were clear to note that they did not know the impact of each model. During discussion sessions delegates reflected on which models related to their practice.

 

Resources file on asylum-seeker and refugee pupils

Bill Bolloten introduced this updated resource, which was commissioned by the GTC. Visit the Research and Resources section of this newsletter to see the resource file.

 

QCA’s New Arrivals website

Shola Emmanuel gave an overview of the website, highlighting the issues it addresses. Visit the website to find out more.

 

The changing policy environment

Bill Bolloten addressed the opportunities and challenges for those that teach and care for asylum-seeker and refugee pupils in the context of the changing policy environment. Bill considered the Every Child Matters policy agenda, highlighting the diverse needs of asylum-seekers and refugees. He noted the need for health, social care and education professionals to adapt their practices to ensure every child really does matter.

Read the presentation for more detail.

 

Sharing Practice

Sofia Ali gave a presentation of her work in schools in the London Borough of Barnet.  This involves setting up dedicated time to induct asylum-seekers and refugees and other new arrivals into the English classroom.  The work covers language, culture and core curriculum areas and is having a positive impact on the successes of asylum-seeker and refugee pupils in secondary schools. 

Read Sofia’s presentation to find out more about this work.

 

A Welcome Experience

Carolyn Herbert gave a presentation of her practice in primary schools in the London Borough of Westminster. She has developed a project called ‘A Welcome Experience’. The project and the accompanying resources aim to create a welcoming, safe and enjoyable experience for all pupils. This is seen as particularly important for young people who have come from distant countries, often leaving loved ones behind and having traumatic experiences.

Find out more about A Welcome Experience. Read Carolyn’s presentation and download the flyer.

The event was well received by delegates, with very positive feedback. The overall response was one of “more please”! 

A next steps plan, drawn from feedback and suggestions, will be included in the next Achieve newsletter.