Access to education
Refugee and asylum-seeking children are entitled to mainstream education after arriving in the UK and it will be one of the most important services they will access.
Children arriving in Gloucestershire may have missed many months of education and are supported to access school places as close as possible to their new home.
Gloucestershire County Council’s Access to Education team works closely with each family to ensure every child receives a fair assessment and supports them with school applications and the relevant transport forms.
Some schools in the county have gone above and beyond to accommodate refugee children and ensure a wide range of support is available. Some have set up learning hubs for the children where they can learn and socialise with other refugee children, allowing them to experience learning in a supportive educational environment.
Both children and their parents have been excited and happy about school life beginning in their new country and the chance to make friends in their local community.