8 February 2006

People working with refugee children can access important information on a new website launched by the Home Office.

The site covers a range of issues to do with education, such as providing useful guidance on organising after school clubs for refugee children or advice on providing extra language lessons.

It will work as a central point for people such as teachers, social or youth workers to see examples of best practice.

Refugees can also access the site themselves to locate services they may need.

The online service forms part of a government initiative called "Integration Matters" and aims to make refugees feel as though they will be able to usefully contribute to society.

"We have a proud tradition in this country of offering a safe haven to those in genuine need of protection, but our duty to these people goes beyond that - we must also offer them the opportunity to rebuild their lives, recognising that they bring a range of valuable skills and experiences with them which we should help them to use," explained home office minister Andy Burnham.

The Refugee Council has also welcomed the new website, seeing it as a constructive way of encouraging integration into society.

"All the evidence shows that given a bit of help at the start, refugees go on to make a huge contribution to British life.

"Many refugee children do very well at school and become high achievers. But that only happens when parents, teachers and other professionals understand their needs and help them to fulfil their potential," concluded Maeve Sherlock, the chief executive at the council.

It is hoped that during the rest of 2006 the site will be expanded beyond education to incorporate issues such as accommodation, employment and health.

© Adfero Ltd

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