Schools targeted in 'simply untrue' online campaign

A social media post claimed that schools were getting children to write Valentine's Day cards to adult refugees

Claims that some schools in Northern Ireland are asking pupils to write Valentine's cards to refugees or asylum seekers are "entirely inaccurate".

That is according to the Education Authority (EA), which facilitates the School of Sanctuary scheme in Northern Ireland.

A widely-circulated social media post claimed that, as part of the scheme, schools were getting children to write Valentine's Day cards to adult refugees.

It named a number of schools in Northern Ireland who took part in the scheme.

What is the School of Sanctuary Scheme?

The School of Sanctuary scheme - which is supported by the Northern Ireland Executive - aims to support schools to become welcoming places for all children, including newcomer children.

A School of Sanctuary is one which provides significant additional support to pupils, including refugees and others.

The first in Northern Ireland was named in 2017, and over 40 have been awarded the status since then.

St John the Baptist College in Portadown recently became the first outside Belfast or Londonderry to achieve the accreditation.

What have Schools of Sanctuary in Northern Ireland told parents?

The principal of Integrated College, Glengormley, Ricky Massey, wrote to parents to state that the online claims were "simply not true".

In his letter, Mr Massey mentioned claims on social media that Schools of Sanctuary "are encouraging pupils to write letters or Valentine's cards to refugees or asylum seekers - including suggestions that this could involve 'unvetted men.'"

He said: "I want to reassure you in the strongest possible terms, this has never happened at Integrated College Glengormley."

He said the school had never been asked or instructed by any organisation to carry out such activities.

"This would never happen," he added.

Mr Massey said safeguarding and child protection was at the "heart of everything" they do.

"The welfare of our pupils is our first priority, and any activity in our school is subject to the highest safeguarding standards," he said.

"Please be assured - there is no cause for anxiety about your child's wellbeing in relation to these claims."

'Genuinely held concerns'

Taughmonagh Primary School in Belfast also sent a letter to parents of pupils, telling them that social media "information circulating in relation to our school is factually incorrect".

"We would ask for our school community's support in stopping the spread of misinformation online," the letter said.

The letter outlined how the school has stringent safeguarding processes and this allegation on the Facebook group is "contrary to our policies".

The Belfast DUP councillor Sarah Bunting criticised what she called "the spreading of these online rumours, made up and posted by faceless, nameless strangers".

What has the EA and School of Sanctuary said?

In a statement to BBC News NI, the EA said it was aware that some schools had been targeted online.

"We consider this information to be entirely inaccurate and condemn the spread of misinformation in the strongest terms," the statement said.

School of Sanctuary UK said it was "not directly involved in the delivery of specific activities in schools".

It said that while there had been "mention of a Valentine's Day welcome card initiative", where children wrote anonymised messages of welcome to people seeking safety, "we have full confidence that schools and teachers organise age-appropriate activities and follow rigorous safeguarding procedures to ensure every child's safety during such activities".

In an email to schools, School of Sanctuary UK said it s seeking "urgent legal advice" over the social media post and has encouraged any school that receives threats to report it to police.