Support available for Ukrainian Families in Buckinghamshire

Message from Richard Nash, Interim Corporate Director, Children’s Services

All of us have been following the war in Ukraine with horror and disbelief. It has been amazing to hear how our schools have acted positively through fundraising and supporting their pupils in understanding and processing such a complex and emotive situation. The Local Authority has been advised by the central government that we can expect the arrival of Ukrainian refugees across the country over the next few weeks and we know that the people of Buckinghamshire will be generous in taking these families in and keeping them safe in our community.

The refugee population is overwhelmingly made up of women and children, and in order for them to feel safe and valued in this country, a school place will be a key element in their support. It is important that we all do our best to support these victims of war and welcome them into our school communities with empathy and compassion.

The information on this page is designed to offer support to schools and the families we welcome.

Support for Schools Welcoming Refugee Children & Young People

On the 5th of May 2022, we held an interactive online session with members of Finance, Admissions, HR, Educational Psychology, PSHE, and the Virtual School. Please see the Support for Schools Welcoming Refugee Children & Young People (Word) with items discussed and helpful guidance given.

Visit A Helping Hand for Ukraine Buckinghamshire Council
Visit Support from the council for sponsors and guests | Buckinghamshire Council
Find Activities, groups, and services near you | Bucks Online Directory | Buckinghamshire Council
Contact the Team: Email ukrainesupport@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call 0300 131 6000 (phone lines open Monday to Thursday 9 to 5:30, and Friday 9 to 5)

Education Secretary

Download the Secretary of State letter to LAs Ukraine April 2022 (GOV.UK)

Download the Secretary of State letter to LAs Ukraine May 2022 (GOV.UK)

Government Advice

Equalities

To support schools we have a selection of resources available to help approach the issue of refugees and asylum-seeking in a way that is accessible, and appropriate to different age groups. This includes books, events, and translation tools. Please visit Refugees and Asylum Seekers (SchoolsWeb)

Community Impact Bucks

Resources for local communities helping Ukrainian refugees in Buckinghamshire:

View Community support for Ukrainian refugees in Buckinghamshire - Community Impact Bucks
Please email info@communityimpactbucks.org.uk or phone 0300 111 1250

Buckinghamshire Family Information Service

A vast range of information, support, and services available in Bucks for families can be found on the Buckinghamshire Family Information Website

Local Groups

Visit Marlow Ukraine Collective

Visit the Wycombe Refugee Partnership

School Admissions

The process of applying for school places is the same as usual, for all children. For admissions queries please contact the team by emailing admissions@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or calling 01296 383245.

Visit School Admissions (buckinghamshire.gov.uk)

Download the School Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Visit school admissions applications from overseas children (gov.uk)

Virtual School

Visit the Virtual School (buckinghamshire.gov.uk) for lots of useful information regarding refugee children (trauma-informed), advice, guidance, training, and EAL resources.

Vicki Carrick-Lynch
Virtual School Assistant Head Teacher
Email: vicky.carrick-lynch@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Safeguarding

The Safeguarding Toolkit contains many items to support mental health, bullying, e-safety, etc. You can find this in the Safeguarding Zone (SchoolsWeb)

View Keeping Children Safe in Education (GOV.UK)

SENDIAS

A free, confidential, impartial information, advice, and support on all matters relating to special educational needs and disabilities for children and young people aged 0 to 25 and their parents/carers.

Visit Bucks SENDIAS Service