TEACHERS have been urged to ensure the children of refugee families are given the best welcome possible when they come to school.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teaching union has produced a new set of guidelines to help schools deal with newly-arrived migrant pupils.

The pack calls on all teachers to be made aware of new arrivals and, if possible, learn words of greeting in their first language.

Schools have also been asked to issue a certificate in both English and the pupil’s first language to officially welcome them to the school.

And the EIS asks staff to place new arrivals beside other pupils who speak the same first language where possible as well as being observant for any signs that a pupil may be distressed.

Larry Flanagan, EIS general secretary, said: “Scotland has always been a welcoming society and this is continuing with the country’s response to the refugee crisis that has resulted from the conflict in Syria.

"People across Scotland have been moved by the terrible situation that has faced families fleeing Syria and surrounding countries in search of safe refuge.

"A great deal of charitable work has been undertaken to provide essential assistance and support to people who desperately need it, but we cannot assume that settling into a new country and a new school will always be easy for young people who have already faced a great deal of hardship and trauma in their lives."

The new advice was welcomed by parents, the Scottish Government and councils.

Eileen Prior, executive director of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council said: "Our experience is that families are a massive resource to support both school and incoming families.

"Parents are often able to act as translators and provide meaningful support to families who may otherwise struggle to establish connections in a new country and schools and local authorities can work together with their parents to make a difference to many lives."

A Scottish Government spokesman said the role and contribution of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to the country's economy and society was welcome.

He said: "Our country is not full up and we see the benefit of warmly welcoming people who want to live and work here and supporting them to settle and learn English.

“We warmly welcomed the ongoing EIS support for refugees and migrants to Scotland and we know that many local authorities and colleges are working to support the aspirations of speakers of other languages who want to participate fully in Scottish society."

Stephanie Primrose, the education spokeswoman for council umbrella body Cosla, said Scotland had to play its part in helping refugees escaping the most terrible suffering imaginable.

She said: "We pride ourselves on being a welcoming nation, but it’s what happens in communities and schools up and down Scotland that will make the real difference.

"Arriving in a new country where language and culture are very different is intimidating, even for people who have not been through the horrors faced by refugees.

"We have it in our power to help and I have no doubt that individuals, communities and local authorities will do what they can to help over the Christmas period and throughout the many months to come."

The EIS advice document will be sent to all schools, colleges and universities in the New Year.