Extensive package of support to help schools to welcome children fleeing the war in Ukraine

Norfolk County Council is supplying schools across the county with much needed provisions so that educational resources and places of sanctuary can be given to child refugees.

This includes:

• Funding towards laptops, bi-lingual resources, extra tutoring and a range of English as an Additional Language resources
• Opportunities for teachers to access trauma informed workshops to help understand the experiences and support children may need
• Language support training, guidance and strategies and free translation services
• Guidance and support to help schools discuss the conflict in Ukraine
• NCC's fully funded Young Interpreters' Scheme

The council will adapt and evolve what's on offer as more information about children's needs emerges.

Cllr John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said, "We know that schools will want to welcome and support the children and young people who come to Norfolk from Ukraine, but we also recognise that many schools are continuing to feel the effects of the pandemic.

"We have worked relentlessly to pull together the support and infrastructure to enable this to be possible. We want this to be as positive an experience for Ukrainian families as it can be, and help schools provide a safe and welcoming environment".

Recreation Road Infant School in Norwich are one of the establishments who have welcomed their first pupil. They were recently awarded 'School of Sanctuary' status, a national network of over 300 primary and secondary schools all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Michael Bunting, Head Teacher at Recreation Road Infant School said, "Our community is delighted to welcome our first arrival from Ukraine. We have organised a tour of the school and their classmates have been keen to be part of a buddying system, aimed at providing support and reassurance throughout the day. The class have also made some thoughtful changes - for example, they've translated the class's visual timetable into Ukrainian. 

"Norfolk County Council have helped tremendously with our preparation, and staff have been able to access useful training and will have ongoing specialist support.

"The school's been given some additional funding to support our new arrival's learning which we'll be using to fund an iPad with language support apps and special translation pens. These will help our new pupil access learning more easily. We hope that she'll fulfil her potential, alongside making new friends".

Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Norfolk at www.norfolk.gov.uk/ukraine. There are specific pages to help those arriving, information and advice for hosts and details of face-to-face Community Help events.