SHIRE OAK CE PRIMARY SCHOOL

I visited Shire Oak CE Primary School...

It was encouraging to visit the school again and see what Jane Devane, the headteacher and her colleagues are doing on what is a simply extra-ordinary school site. I was delighted to be showed around the school and the grounds by Courtney and Lewys, two of Jane's wonderful Year 6 children, who were simply brilliant ambassadors and adverts for the school.They showed me the classrooms, the art area, the learning mentor's room, the early years provision, the playgrounds and the gardens they are developing. Courtney and Lewys were also particularly keen to tell me about the art work they are doing to support the 'Leeds, City of Sanctuary' Project.


A City of Sanctuary is a place of safety and welcome for people whose lives are in danger in their own countries. The City of Sanctuary movement began in Sheffield, the UK’s first official ‘City of Sanctuary’ — a city that takes pride in the welcome it offers to people in need of safety. Since then, 14 other City of Sanctuary initiatives in towns and cities from Glasgow to Swansea.
Through creating a national network of Cities of Sanctuary, the project aims to demonstrate the desire of people of goodwill throughout the country for a more just and humane approach to people seeking sanctuary.

My visit, and my conversations with Jane, Courtney and Lewys, showed me that this is a school with enormous potential which, under Jane's focused and effective leadership, will continue to develop as a great learning place to serve this diverse community. If you want to find out more about the City of Sanctuary initiative you can visit their website at www.cityofsanctuary.org.
Chris