Supporting Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Learners with English or Welsh as Another Language (EAL) with School Admission Applications

Refugees/Asylum Seekers and EAL pupils entering from any scheme are eligible to apply for a school place in any state school that has available school places, in line with the Welsh Government Admissions Code.

It is essential that these children are supported to access school as soon as possible after they arrive, as this will:

• provide some structure, support, and opportunities for play and learning for the child/children.

• minimise safeguarding risks

• provide respite and support for the family members/sponsors

• allow children to continue their education and support them to feel welcomed within their community

The Admissions Process

The first step in admitting a pupil will be for the parents to complete the online admission application form which is available on the Powys County Council admission webpage - Use this link for Powys admissions In-year transfer

Information about the admission process and a copy of the Admissions Arrangements is also available on the Powys County Council admission webpage - Use this link for Powys admissions home

The School Admissions Team are always available to give advice on school admissions. They can be contacted using the following contact details. Most applications are likely to be in-year transfers, so please use the contact details in the highlighted line below:

• Early Years admissions - 01597 826449 | preschooladmissions@powys.gov.uk

• In-Year Transfers – 01597 926477 (this is for any admission into a maintained school outside of the primary and secondary admissions rounds) | admissions@powys.gov.uk

• Primary admissions (Reception) - 01597 826499 | admissions@powys.gov.uk

• Secondary admissions (Year 7) - 01597 826499 | admissions@powys.gov.uk

Suggested ideas to support the admission process

• Schools and families can arrange for a pre-visit or tour of the school prior to submitting an admissions application

• Arrange for an interpreter to assist in the meeting with the school, ensure that they understand the family’s context, including being mindful of the local context in the country of origin. The ethnicity/dialect of the interpreter should be the same as that of the family where possible and not from an ethnicity in current conflict in the country of origin.

• Aim to establish an ethos of trust and partnership from this first meeting. Explain why questions are being asked, as many parents of asylum seeking or refugee pupils may have prior experience of interrogation by officials

• Share information about any local agencies and community organisations that help asylum seeking and refugee children and families.

• Ensure the family are aware that the child is entitled to a free ear, sight and hearing test. The family can be asked if they receive benefits or asylum support vouchers.

Information about home to school transport, free school meals and school clothing grants is available via the following links:

• Apply for School Transport

• Free School Meals

• School Clothing Grants