London Citizens schools publish investigation into the hostile environment's impact on pupils and urge change

Forgotten People

How the hostile Environment impacts schools and children's wellbeing

Leaders from London Citizens member schools reveal the impact of the UK government's 'hostile environment' policy on the emotional and academic wellbeing of pupils growing up in the UK without British citizenship, following an extensive listening campaign and research exercise across eight primary and secondary schools, as well as sixth form colleges in the capital.

The research and report, completed in partnership with undergraduate students from the UCL Institute of Education, includes the findings of a survey among Headteachers and a number of case studies on the implications of the hostile environment for children, parents and staff alike. Download the full report below.

Today, leaders from the schools leading this work are holding a public action in Westminster to share their stories through poems and plays and call on the Children's Minister to meet London Citizens in person to discuss our asks:

To make Pupil Premium and Free School Meals available to all school children in need, regardless of the immigration status of their parents ;

• Investigate and redress the harmful impacts of the hostile environment on children's academic and emotional wellbeing.