Rights Respecting

 WHAT IS A RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL?

The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) is based on principles of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. The RRSA seeks to put the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s ethos and culture to improve well-being and develop every child’s talents and abilities to their full potential.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) applies to all children and they are the RIGHTS HOLDERS. 

Adults such as parents/carers, teachers and local government are DUTY BEARERS who help children and young people to enjoy their rights. 

What does a RRSA school ‘feel’ like?
Quotes from the children:

“like you matter”         “we have a say”

“our opinions are heard”            “ everybody is kind and respectful”

“adults are good listeners”               “we know about global issues”

“adults and children listen to each other”

UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools are required to implement four evidence-based standards.

• Rights-respecting values underpin leadership and management.
• The whole school community learns about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• The school has a rights-respecting ethos.
• Children are empowered to become active citizens and learners.

A rights-respecting school is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.

We are thrilled to share with our students, families, staff, friends and wider community that we have achieved the Bronze Award and are currently working to achieve  the UNICEF Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award.

The UNICEF charter of children’s rights is in two versions, a summary version and a children’s version, here are both:

• UNICEF Charter of Rights
• Children's Charter of Rights

We have a school Rights Respecting calendar which focuses on monthly themes and articles to ensure the whole school understands children’s rights. Teachers can use these themes as part of our curriculum intent to ensure that children see the connection and relationship between what they are learning and the values that the school promotes.