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Schools provide a good education for asylum seeker children and a welcome environment, according to a study by school inspectors Ofsted, writes Kendra Inman.

Inner city schools serving diverse communities were among the best at managing the intake of asylum seeker pupils, the report found.

Their success was attributed to experience dealing with high levels of pupil mobility, and the presence of staff with expertise in teaching pupils with English as an additional language, said inspectors.

The study, the 'Education of Asylum-Seeker Pupils', examined admissions and induction procedures, the curriculum, teaching and pupils’ progress in 37 schools in 11 education authorities.

David Bell, the chief inspector of schools, said the report showed how well schools can perform and adapt to meeting pupils’ needs. He added that he understood how it had been a difficult process for some schools.

Staff funded by the ethnic minority achievement grant (EMAG) made a vital contribution towards supporting asylum seeking pupils and their families, the report said. EMAG staff also provided advice training and teaching support for class teachers.

The study found schools often welcomed pupils and their families, saw them as an asset and used their inclusion to enhance the cultural life of the school.

The Education of Asylum-Seeker Pupils