Bishop Luffa’s International Information Evening

In March Bishop Luffa School hosted its first International Information Evening in the Bartlett Hall.

Welcoming all multicultural, multinational families with children who are being educated in and around Chichester, the International Information Evening was dedicated to explaining key areas in English school life, as well as giving families and carers an opportunity to meet people in their community, ask questions and support their children.

The evening started with a talk by Mr Hindman on how the English education system works – including a detailed look at GSCEs and A levels and time for questions.

Sanctuary in Chichester's Pam Herrington then gave a very helpful and detailed talk on how to parent teenagers and manage emotions, followed by Simon Brown, Chichester College’s head of additional learning support, resources and welfare, who shone a light on Special Educational Needs and Disability support.  

Those attending the event had the opportunity to talk to West Sussex County Council (WSCC)’s Ethnic Minority & Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS), including their Polish-, Persian- and Ukrainian-speaking liaison officers. We are very grateful to Jo, Hamid and Elena at WSCC EMTAS for their interpreting skills, enthusiasm and support.

Guests were also offered bilingual materials in home languages ranging from Polish to Ukrainian, Russian, Dari, Pashto and Arabic. Created by the International Rescue Committee’s education team, they explained the English education system, welcome packs and buddy support, among other topics.

In addition, they could visit stands kindly run by organisations which support multinational, multicultural families and carers. They included: UKHarvest, Chichester District Foodbank, the Dedicated Schools Team - Early Help Chichester Family Hub, Young People’s Shop, Sanctuary in Chichester, WSCC EMTAS and Chichester College. There was also information about Careers, provided by Mrs Hopp, as well as school librarian Mrs Shuttleworth's stall which showcased our library’s growing collection of home-language literature, plus free stickers and books.   

Finally, the evening was made extra-special thanks to the fantastic support of the Bishop Luffa PFA (who provided light refreshments and ran the second-hand uniform shop), Mrs Gibson, Mrs Thompson, Miss Cooke and Mrs Christopher and, last but not least, everyone who baked delicious cakes and biscuits for our visitors.

Sarah Smith, Pastoral Lead - Safeguarding and Susie Cooke, EAL Coordinator