PARENT INFORMATION
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.

St Joseph’s  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 talents and abilities 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. We have already received a Bronze Award for our work so far and are now working towards achieving a Silver Award in November. Our pupils learn about their rights by putting them into practice every day. A Rights Respecting School models rights and respect in all its relationships.

We really hope that you will be able to support us on our journey towards becoming a UNICEF UK Rights Respecting School.  By discussing the Rights of the Child at home it will further embed the Rights Respecting School culture we are working towards. For further information about Rights Respecting Schools please visit:  www.unicef.org.uk/rrsa

PUPIL INFORMATION
Our pupils have created this Sway presentation to give you more information about our Rights Respecting Journey this year.

Below you can see our Rainbow of Rights that is displayed in each classroom and used to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of their rights. Teachers will link rights to lessons taught in class.

Please click here to access the presentation given by our Rights Respecting Committee at assembly at the start of the year.

SILVER AWARD
This year we are aiming to achieve the Silver Award which will recognise all the hard work our staff and pupils have put in to raising awareness of Children’s Rights and including it in all aspects of the curriculum. An ambassador from UNICEF will be coming to assess our work in November. Keep your eyes peeled for our up to date 24/25 Action Plan for the Silver Award.

Pupils learn about the ABCDE of children’s rights. All rights are Universal (All), Inherent (Born with them), Inalienable (Cannot be taken away), Unconditional (Do not have to be earned) and are Indivisible (equally important).

Rights are also displayed around the school. This helps children to relate the articles in the convention of the rights of the child to their daily life.

PUPILS  LEARNING THROUGH RIGHTS

The ethos within our school and the relationships we form with each other are underpinned by the rights of the child. Relationships are founded on dignity and mutual respect for the rights of others. Children know who to speak to if they are worried and are taught about the right to feel safe and protected. As a school community, we take pride in our positive ethos and embrace the values of restorative practice ensuring that incidents are dealt with fairly, consistently and in a manner which upholds the UN convention on the Rights of the Child and the principles of equality and equity.

Children are actively involved in decisions about their learning. Pupil voice is at the heart of our classrooms and school community. Pupils are encouraged to lead their learning by making choices and voicing their views and ideas.

TEACHING AND LEARNING FOR RIGHTS

As a Laudato Si and Eco school, sustainability is important. We have introduced a pre loved school uniform bank. We also have Communion dress swaps, Halloween costume swaps and Christmas jumper swaps.

Pupils engage in the world around them and are taught to become responsible global citizens with a deep care for their local community and wider world.