Meersbrook Bank Primary and Nursery School was awarded the Prestigious School of Sanctuary Award.
The educational institution, located in Derbyshire Lane, is currently the only one in the city to have received the recognition.
Head teacher Gemma Harvey said: “We feel really, super proud, but also a bit sad that we’re the only school in the city that’s got it, it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so important to welcome diversity in whatever shape or form it comes.
“We do all we can to celebrate cultural heritage and identity, we don’t all look the same, or sound the same, we don’t want students to feel apologetic about the fact that they can’t speak English, we want them to celebrate their language and country, to feel empowered.”
The award, presented by City of Sanctuary UK, is given to schools that excel in creating a welcoming environment for asylum seekers.
Meersbrook Bank has made several efforts to ensure a safe space for newcomers, including integrating inclusive policies, curriculum, practices and library books.
A volunteer from City of Sanctuary Sheffield, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Teaching kids about these issues prevents them from growing up to become hateful and misinformed adults, who we’re seeing a lot more of today with the rise of extremist groups.
“Refugees are escaping genuine threats, and they’re more than capable of contributing positively to their communities.”
The school adheres to two key principles, educating students about the struggles of displaced individuals, and actively promoting unity.
This is reflected by Meerbrook’s initiatives to celebrate Refugee Week in June and support charities that aid those seeking safety in the UK and abroad.
EAL teacher and safeguarding lead at the school, Caroline Grant, said: “It takes persistence to get through the administrative tasks and the inspections, but it’s worth it, we’re happy to support other schools with moving forward in the right direction.”
Assessors visited in January, spending a significant amount of time speaking with children to ensure that the accolade criteria were met.
Eli Khoshrooy, 25, who sought asylum in the city in 2022, said: “It’s important kids know we aren’t harmful, we’re human beings, just like them, when I arrived I was met with kindness and I believe everybody else should be too.”
Sheffield became the first City of Sanctuary in September 2007, and continues to support the integration of refugees in the UK.