School of Sanctuary joy for Academy Nursery School

A Derry nursery school has ended the academic year on a high after being awarded the prestigious ‘School of Sanctuary’ status.

Academy Nursery School has become the latest recipient of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Education Authority’s Intercultural Education Service-backed scheme that was introduced in pilot form in the Urban Villages areas of Derry and Belfast in 2017.

With guidance from the City of Sanctuary group, the aim of the programme is to help schools further develop the concept that their environment is a welcoming space for pupils and their families, and where every child feels safe and fully accepted.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are very proud to have been awarded this status. The School of Sanctuary is a safe haven of acceptance, tolerance, patience, kindness and understanding, offering support, not just to pupils, but parents and guardians alike.

“On days of doubt, fear or worry, where tears may fall and tantrums may rise, the Academy Nursery School of Sanctuary will offer solace to the same pupils, parents and guardians.

“On days of hope, joy and contentment the Academy Nursery School of Sanctuary will share the happiness and the all-embracing eagerness of three-year-olds to listen to, look at and learn from one another.”

At the heart of the ‘School of Sanctuary’ initiative is the ethos that schools can create an opportunity to celebrate not only the cultures of the children who join the school as newcomers but also to celebrate and learn about the cultures of children who live in the community.

Academy Nursery, situated on Academy Road, joins a number of Derry-based schools who have been awarded the status, including the nearby Model Primary School.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan was in attendance at the joy-filled award ceremony held at the school, situated on Academy Road, along with representatives from the Education Authority, Urban Villages and City of Sanctuary Belfast.

There were beaming smiles from pupils, staff and governors as the school’s efforts to promote and value cultural diversity was recognised with the granting of the highly-esteemed ‘sanctuary’ status.

“We are absolutely delighted,” the spokesperson said. “It has been a real team effort from children, parents, staff, governors and the wider community.

“We are a very welcoming and inclusive nursery school. We strive to ensure children, staff and families feel safe and accepted regardless of what they believe, where they are from or what they look like and where cultural diversity is valued and celebrated.”