Schools can be places of safety for refugee and asylum-seeking children, providing a place of growth, flourishing and integration. The recommendations presented in this paper are the result of focus group discussions – carried out through a partnership with Professor Joanna McIntyre from the University of Nottingham and Refugee Education UK – with key stakeholders in the education sector (including teaching unions; Virtual School head teachers; CEOs of Multi Academy Trusts; staff from local authorities and third-sector organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers with education-related outcomes).

This paper is a call to promote welcome and inclusion for refugee and asylum-seeking children. In an era of continued global migration, we urge policymakers to move beyond a crisis-based response towards a more sustainable and inclusive strategy. The recommendations below will help critical progress in ensuring inclusive education for all children