Rights Respecting School

On Thursday 30th November we were awarded the Rights Respecting Schools Award- Recognition of Commitment

We are currently working towards the Level 1 Rights Respecting Schools Award. Read more about it here-

The Rights Respecting Schools Award puts children’s rights at the heart of schools in the UK.

Unicef works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. Our Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.

Using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as our guide, we are working with more UK schools than almost any other organisation. 1.5 million children in the UK go to a Rights Respecting School and more than 4,000 schools up and down the country are working towards the award. Schools work with us on a journey to become fully Rights Respecting. The Award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond.

There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem. The difference that a Rights Respecting school makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.

Children are healthier and happier

By promoting the values of respect, dignity and non-discrimination, children’s self-esteem and well-being is boosted and they are less likely to suffer from stress. A child who understands their rights understands how they and others should be treated and their sense of self-worth is strengthened.

• 97 per cent of headteachers at Rights Respecting Schools said the award had improved children’s respect for themselves and each other.
• 93 per cent of headteachers at Rights Respecting Schools said the award had helped children to embrace diversity and overcome prejudices.
• “We all know our rights and know that if our rights aren’t respected we can do something.” Primary pupil at an RRSA school

Children feel safe

The programme gives children a powerful language to use to express themselves and to challenge the way they are treated. They are also able to challenge injustices for other children. Children and young people are empowered to access information that enables them to make informed decisions about their learning, health and wellbeing.

• 76 per cent of headteachers at Rights Respecting Schools say the award has helped to reduce bulling and exclusions.
• In some cases children have been able to use the language of rights to tell teachers they do not feel safe at home or in their community, whether that’s because of violence, abuse or neglect.
• “Learning about rights has made them [children] more confident about speaking out. They are more confident and articulate.” Parent
• “Teachers empower us and give us confidence.’” Secondary pupil at an RRSA school