Calside Primary School aims to be a school where children’s rights are at the heart of our ethos and culture, to improve well-being and to develop every child’s talent and ability to their full potential. As part of this plan, we are working towards recognition as a ‘Rights Respecting School’, an award given to schools on behalf of UNICEF UK.

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and young people and their rights. In 1989, governments across the world agreed that all children have the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These rights are based on what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential. A parental guide to the UNCRC can be found here.

We were awarded the Silver “Rights Aware” award in June 2024, and we are now working towards our Gold “Rights Respecting” award.  Through our Rights Respecting approach, we are exploring the UNCRC in class as well as in assemblies. The young people and the school community are learning about children’s rights, and trying to put them into practice every day. The child-friendly version of the UNCRC that we are using can be seen here, and is explained in more detail here.

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;
• Children feel safe;
• Children have better relationships;
• Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world.

For further information about Rights Respecting Schools please visit their site here.