What is a Rights Respecting Schools?
A Rights Respecting School (RRS) is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practiced, respected, protected, and promoted. In a RRS school, children collaborate to develop an environment based on equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination, and participation. They learn about their rights and responsibilities, understanding the distinction between rights and wants. This initiative is part of the RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOLS AWARD by UNICEF UK, which aims to create safe and inspiring places for children to learn.
There are 4 key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting School; wellbeing, participation, relationships, and self-esteem.
The difference a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.
- Children are happier and healthier
- Children feel safe
- Children have better relationships
- Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world.
There are 3 awards a school can work towards achieving.
Bronze – Rights Committed – This can take up to 6 months to achieve; we aim to achieve this by the end of 2025.
Silver – Right Aware – This can take from 6 months to a year to achieve, we aim to work toward this goal throughout 2026.
Gold – Rights Respecting – This can take from 1 to 3 years to achieve; we aim to work towards this goal from 2027 to 2030. Once achieved we need to sustain this award every 3 years.
How do we achieve the Bronze Award?
This award aims to integrate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into the school environment, promoting a culture where children’s rights are respected, taught, and practiced.
To achieve this award the school must demonstrate we are committed to the following:
- Embedding Rights: the school needs to incorporate children’s rights into our policies and practices, ensuring that these rights are recognised and valued within our school community.
- Action Plan: the school must develop an action plan that outlines how they will implement the principles of the UNCRC in our daily activities and curriculum.
- Community Engagement: Involvement of pupils, staff, and the wider community in understanding and promoting children’s rights is essential. This includes creating opportunities for pupils to learn about their rights and responsibilities.
How does this benefit Newcastle Primary School?
Achieving the Bronze Award helps Newcastle Primary School to create a safe and inspiring learning environment where children feel respected and valued. It encourages Newcastle to nurture pupil’s talents and abilities, fostering responsible and active citizenship among our young people.
