Mrs Khambhaita and Mrs Garner went to Bradford Arts Centre today with a group of children to collect our Schools of Sanctuary award.

Penny Oaks was accredited as a School of Sanctuary in 2023 and this is a renewal of our status. We are very proud to be a School of Sanctuary and we are extremely proud to have our accreditation renewed.

The final report from the Schools of Sanctuary team commented on our "New Child Charter" and the introduction of an Academy Pioneer who has enriched our induction of new families to Penny Oaks. The report commented on many strengths at Penny Oaks in particular commenting: 

"Penny Oaks has demonstrated that it continues to uphold the values and principles of Schools of Sanctuary and remains a highly welcoming and inclusive school community. The New Child Charter stands out as a particularly strong piece of practice, providing a clear, accessible and effective framework for welcoming and supporting new arrivals. The Academy Pioneer role has further strengthened links with the wider community and provides a powerful example of how schools can offer practical, compassionate
support to families seeking sanctuary. Since accreditation, the school has strengthened curriculum provision, increased pupil leadership opportunities and maintained a strong commitment to Refugee Week and community celebration.
The school has also continued to engage positively with Bradford Schools of Sanctuary through curriculum projects and Refugee Week activities.
The appraisal team is delighted to recommend Co-op Academy Penny Oaks for renewal of its School of Sanctuary Award. The compassion shown towards children and families seeking sanctuary and the meaningful opportunities provided for pupils to learn, celebrate diversity and take action all reflect the values at the heart of the Schools of Sanctuary movement – congratulations! We look forward to seeing the school build on this excellent work over the next three years."