Supporting refugee and aslyum seekers in secondary school

This report by the Refugee Council examined how secondary schools can work with parents and children of the refugee and asylum seeking community.

Key points:
- Young people reported that a high level of parent/ carer involvement existed, but this varied between one-off meetings to frequent encounters. Young people also felt that their parents did not allow a lack of English to prevent them from being involved, and generally felt very positive about the support they received from parents or carers.
- Parents and carers were generally satisfied with schools, and had high levels of involvement, particularly where there was good communication with the school and where the staff were supportive and approachable.
- Suggestions for improving engagement included better communication and feedback.
- Schools found effective engagement was an important factor in young people’s well-being and achievement and empowered parents to participate in their education. The importance of a welcoming environment and inductions was noted.
- Refugee Community Organisations emphasised the need to support parents and carers as they often found integration more difficult than did their children.
- Barriers to inclusion include: difficulties in accessing school places; bullying; racism; and financial barriers to extracurricular activities, school books, and uniforms.Practices found to break down barriers include: extended school status, home-school and community link workers, peer mentors and language support.