Supporting Refugee and Asylum Seeker pupils

Background of ARAP and UKRS Schemes

Recently, the Homes for Ukraine and ARAP (Afghan Relocation Assistance Policy) schemes have given Afghan and Ukrainian children and young people the opportunity to access the British education system and have given support to schools in regard to supporting pupil needs. The UKRS (United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme) formally known as VPRS (Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme) is a well-established scheme which has also meant that many pupils originating from countries such as Syria, Iraq, Sudan and so on have had opportunities to excel in their academic career over the past six years. These pupils often arrive with no or little English. Typically, these pupils speak Arabic, Kurdish, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Tigrinya or local dialects and so need help to access the curriculum which is delivered in English.

Who has attracted this funding

These children and their families have entered the UK to resettle as they are leaving behind significant hardships: war, persecution, trauma to name but a few. Their journey to the UK may have been long and treacherous. Pupils will need support emotionally as they adjust to their new life as well as tackling issues such as a lack of previous education and perhaps at an early stage of learning English.

Support for schools

Pupils who arrive in the UK via these schemes receive an intensive 12-month support package from a range of partners including EMAS to support education at both primary and secondary stages. Support packages will vary depending on need but may consist of:

• Multi-Lingual Assistants (MLAs) are deployed where possible to support pupils across the city in settling into the classroom and accessing lessons in the early months
• Visits are made by advisory teachers each term in order to assess pupil progress
• Advisory teachers’ comprehensive CPD offer to school professionals
• Applications for free school meals and the Coventry Boot Fund are supported by The Migration Partnership
• Financial support - Depending on pupil age and particular resettlement scheme, schools and settings may attract a direct grant of up to £2,200 for each pupil. This can be spent on a wide range of support, including educational resources, skills and clubs, trips and experiences that enhance pupils’ educational progress. The suggested funding spend list, compiled by Coventry teachers, gives ideas on how this funding can be spent

More information

The Coventry City Council Migration Team website gives more information on how refugee scheme families are supported before and after they arrive in the UK.

The Welcome to Coventry website also provides further information for families on accessing Coventry services.

If you believe that a pupil within your setting may have entered the UK through the UKRS, ARAP or Homes for Ukraine scheme and you wish to contact our advisory teaching team, then please make contact by phone or email.