Westbourne Primary honoured for whole-school approach
A Bradford primary in Manningham has been recognised for exemplary support for children and families seeking sanctuary. Westbourne Primary School received the Whole School Welcome Award at the Bradford Sanctuary Seekers Education Awards, highlighting a comprehensive commitment to inclusion and pastoral care for newly arrived pupils.
Headteacher Jo Marwood credited the school’s staff and community partnerships for the accolade, emphasising the focus on safety, dignity and belonging for every child. In her words:
“Welcoming children and families seeking sanctuary is simply part of who we are as a school community. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and able to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.”
Alongside the whole-school honour, deputy headteacher Miss Rogers was presented with the Staff Going the Extra Mile Award, acknowledging sustained, hands-on support for pupils and their families as they settle in Bradford. She said the recognition reflected the efforts of the entire team.
Partnership working to reduce disruption and build stability
School leaders described a networked approach to admissions and early help that aims to cut delays and ensure children access education swiftly. Westbourne works closely with local services and external agencies to establish routines for new arrivals, recognising the importance of school as a stabilising part of daily life after upheaval. Staff have also completed specialist training to deepen understanding of trauma and displacement.
A distinctive element of the school’s response is its ongoing partnership with the nearby Dubrovnik Hotel, where a number of asylum-seeking families have been placed on a temporary basis. This link helps teachers and pastoral staff coordinate support so children can start classes promptly and families receive practical assistance as they navigate a new city.
Practical help for families new to Bradford
Westbourne’s offer extends beyond the classroom. Staff organise essentials and community activities that can be hard for families to access immediately after arrival. These include:
- Providing school uniform, clothing and care packages where needed
- Running seasonal gift appeals for children in temporary accommodation
- Hosting coffee mornings to connect parents with one another and signpost support
The awards programme, which recognises schools and individuals across Bradford who help children seeking sanctuary to feel welcome and succeed, highlights practices that can be shared across the district’s education sector. With many families arriving at short notice and often with limited belongings, the recognition underscores the pressure on school communities to respond quickly and sensitively.
Recognition for staff commitment
In a note of appreciation for colleagues, Miss Rogers said the additional staff accolade was a reflection of a collective effort rather than individual work:
“It is a huge privilege to receive the Staff Going the Extra Mile Award, but that really reflects the collective effort of our whole team.”
School leaders say those efforts include co-ordinating with agencies, ensuring swift placement into classes, and maintaining close communication with families while they adjust to new routines. The approach seeks to combine academic inclusion with practical and emotional support, recognising that learning is strengthened when children feel safe and settled.
Awards at a glance
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Whole School Welcome Award | Westbourne Primary School, Manningham |
| Staff Going the Extra Mile Award | Miss Rogers, Deputy Headteacher |
What it means for the district
Bradford’s schools regularly adapt to meet the needs of new arrivals, often at pace and with finite resources. The recognition for Westbourne Primary signals practical approaches that can reduce barriers to education for children who have experienced rapid change. Early enrolment, consistent routines and joined-up support with local partners can help pupils regain confidence and settle into learning more quickly.
As the city continues to welcome families seeking safety, examples of good practice such as those highlighted by these awards will be closely watched by other settings. The emphasis on partnership with local accommodation providers, rapid access to schooling, and targeted pastoral support offers a roadmap that others in Bradford’s education community can draw upon.
