Education

Joining the education system

You should get in touch with Sunderland City Council's School Admissions to ensure your children are registered in an age-appropriate school. To find out more visit School admissions - Sunderland City Council

You should enrol your child at school and familiarise yourself with what support is expected from parents. These include taking an active part in your child's education such as ensuring that they attend school, complete their homework and get enough sleep.

As a parent you are legally responsible for the protection, care and well-being of your children.

• It is a parent's responsibility to make sure their children attend school. If you do not, there can be legal action such as a Parenting Order, an Education Supervision Order, a School Attendance Order or a fine
• It is an offence to leave children alone if this will put them at risk. Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone. Going to school is very important for the welfare of a child. Helping with tasks at home must not stop a child from going to school

Learning English

Learning to speak English is very important and will help you to settle into your new life and live independently. Speaking English will enable you to go to the doctor on you own, help your children at school and help you get a job or study further.

You do not need to know any English to join an English course. Classes can be a lot of fun and are a good place to meet people and make friends.

You are entitled to free English language tuition if you are unemployed and looking for work. If you are attending appointments at the Jobcentre, your work coach may refer you to an English language class.

Before you join a class, a teacher will check your level and find out more about you, so that you can join a class with people who are at a similar level as you, and which is suitable for your needs.

If you have a baby or young children, you may need to arrange for someone to care for them while you attend classes or find a class with a creche.

If you have any further queries, please contact us by emailing resettlement.team@sunderland.gov.uk