Contributing to the community

In recent years, new communities of refugees have developed in England. The presence of refugees can bring real social, cultural and economic benefits to the areas in which they settle.

Schools and colleges are playing an important role in helping refugee students feel safe and welcome in local communities. By fostering positive inter-community relationships, they are also helping refugee students contribute to many aspects of community life.

Through the curriculum and special events, such as Refugee Week, schools and colleges are celebrating the diversity of their local communities and challenging negative, ill-informed stereotyping.

Going to school or college enables refugee students to feel safe, secure and valued, and to make friends in the host community. In recognising the importance of having peer support and friendships, many schools and colleges are engaging students in playing an active role in supporting refugee integration.

Schools and colleges value greatly the contribution students from all backgrounds make to their community. By promoting refugee students’ participation and the active involvement of refugee students, they benefit from the skills and talents of all their students.

Schools and colleges have an important responsibility in supporting unaccompanied refugee young people who come to this country without their parents and wider family. By working in close partnership with other services, schools and colleges can ensure that unaccompanied children are welcomed and included, and receive the support they need to integrate into communities.