Use this LINK to find out more about The School of Sanctuary at St Illtyd.
At St Illtyd Primary School in Llantwit Major, we are proud to be working towards becoming a School of Sanctuary. This is a meaningful and exciting part of our school development, and it reflects the values that are important to us all: kindness, respect, compassion and belonging. We see this journey as an opportunity to strengthen the welcoming culture already present in our school and to continue building a community where everyone feels safe, valued and included.

Our aim is simple but powerful: we want every child, every family and every visitor to feel welcome from the moment they arrive. We want our school to be known not only for what we teach, but also for the warmth, understanding and hope that we show to others every day. Becoming a School of Sanctuary is not just about gaining an award; it is about living out the values that shape our school community.

A School of Sanctuary is a school that is committed to being a place of welcome for all, especially for people seeking sanctuary. This may include individuals and families who have had to leave their home country because of conflict, danger or uncertainty, or those who simply need a place where they can feel secure, supported and hopeful. At its heart, the School of Sanctuary award recognises schools that work hard to make sure every person feels they belong

At St Illtyd Primary School, we are excited to be taking part in this journey because it gives us the chance to learn more, think more deeply and act with greater purpose. It supports our learners in understanding why sanctuary matters and encourages them to consider how they can help create a school environment that is caring and inclusive. It also gives staff, families and pupils the chance to work together in a shared commitment to making our school a place where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Why This Matters
This journey supports the Curriculum for Wales and its four purposes, helping our pupils to become:

• ambitious, capable learners

• enterprising, creative contributon

• ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world

• healthy, confident individuals

Our work will continue to develop through pupil voice, staff training, curriculum experiences and community involvement. We will build on our Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Development, strengthen understanding of rights and inclusion, and explore important themes such as human rights, social justice, diversity and interdependence.

As we move forward through the Learn, Embed and Share stages, we will continue to deepen understanding, strengthen practice and celebrate our progress. We will learn more about what sanctuary means, embed welcome and inclusion into daily school life, and share our vision with others.

At St Illtyd Primary School, we believe that a strong community is one where everyone can thrive. Through this journey, we will continue to create a school where welcome, safety and inclusion are not just aspirations, but daily realities.

Our Pledge
We support the City of Sanctuary vision of the United Kingdom as a welcoming place of safety for all. We are proud to stand alongside those who offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter and commit to working in line with its values wherever possible within our school context. We recognise the strength, resilience and contribution of people seeking sanctuary, and we are committed to ensuring that they are welcomed, included and supported. Where possible, we will also work alongside local City of Sanctuary groups to strengthen links within our wider community.