We are now a Silver Rights Respecting School!

We are very proud that our school achieved the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Award: Silver – Rights Aware in July 2026. This is an important achievement for our whole school community and recognises the work we have done to place children’s rights at the heart of school life.

What is the Rights Respecting Schools Award?

The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) is a UNICEF UK programme that supports schools to put the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of their policies, practice, curriculum and ethos. The Convention sets out the rights that belong to every child and young person, everywhere, without discrimination.

The Award helps schools to create an environment where children feel valued, respected, listened to and included. It encourages children to understand their own rights, recognise the rights of others and develop the knowledge and confidence to speak up and take positive action.

The Award has three stages:

• Bronze – Rights Committed

• Silver – Rights Aware

• Gold – Rights Respecting

What does Silver – Rights Aware mean?

Achieving Silver means that we have made good progress towards embedding children’s rights across our school. It recognises the work of our children, staff, families and wider school community in developing a culture based on equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation.

As a Silver Rights Aware school, our children are developing their understanding of the rights they have and how these rights relate to everyday life. They are learning that rights are universal and belong to all children, while also understanding that some children around the world may face barriers to accessing their rights.

Our work focuses on three important areas:

Learning about rights – Children learn about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child through lessons, assemblies, displays and school activities.

Learning through rights – We use rights-respecting language and attitudes throughout school life. We encourage positive relationships, inclusion, respect and opportunities for children to have their voices heard.

Taking action for rights – Children are encouraged to speak up, participate in school life and take action to promote the rights of others, both locally and globally.

Our journey to Gold

Achieving Silver is an exciting milestone, but our journey does not end here. We are now working towards Gold – Rights Respecting, the highest stage of the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Award.

Our aim is to continue developing a whole-school culture where children’s rights are understood, respected and reflected in everything we do. As we work towards Gold, we will continue to listen to our pupils, strengthen opportunities for children to participate in decisions that affect them, develop their understanding of rights and encourage them to become active citizens who respect and promote the rights of others.

We are extremely proud of the progress we have made so far and look forward to continuing this important journey together.

      

Right of the Month

Every month, the Rights Reps choose a right to focus on. This is usually linked to some of the special celebration days and events held in that month. 

September's  ‘Right of the Month’ is Article 12: I have the right to say what I think in all matters affecting me and to have my views taken seriously. This has been seen in action during Democracy Week, when children have been able to vote for class responsibility roles and House Captains. Other important celebrations include International Day of Peace, European Day of Languages and International Literacy Day. It’s also Friendship Month, which ties in brilliantly with our value of Unity.