Over the last few months, BBA has grabbed a number of opportunities to speak in an informative and sensitive way, particularly during tutor sessions, about the invasion of the Ukraine. This has been useful in providing clarification, but also to raise awareness and answer questions to deepen our students’ understanding.

To further raise awareness, our staff and students were invited to consider what actions we should take in response to the conflict. One of these actions took the form of an assembly presented by a small cohort of the School of Sanctuary Committee and delivered to all year groups. The focus of these assemblies being to reflect on ‘sanctuary’ (safety and welcome, particularly towards refugees and asylum seekers) across nations and to look at what we are and must continue to do as an Academy that has been awarded School of Sanctuary recognition this academic year. It was not long before a practical response to the Ukrainian crisis was launched: a collection of donations for 0-6 year olds which would be delivered to the Polish-Ukraine border. Thanks to connections built with the local Polish community, it soon emerged that it would be feasible to have emergency items reach areas immediately surrounding the Ukrainian conflict zone.

Slowly a range of useful items began to flow through the school gates: baby food, nappies, wet wipes, sanitary items, clothes, blankets, games, soft toys, books and arts and crafts items. After some weeks the contents received fell just short of 50 large boxes. These boxes have now departed from Tuxford on a haulage truck and will soon reach many families in need.

We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone that has contributed by donating whatever possible. We are optimistic that the many objects packed will be gladly received and will bring a smile to many children’s faces.