Rights respecting School

We are re-launching our drive to become a Rights Respecting School this term. We are very excited about this as we know this approach suits our school extremely well.

Watch this space – Our school cabinet will be keeping us all updated.

The Right Respecting School is an initiative of UNICEF who use the UNConvention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as their guide. 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.

At the Leys we are starting our journey to earn a Rights Respecting Schools Award to ensure we embed these values in daily school life to give children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
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There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school;

1 - Wellbeing

2 - Participation

3 - Relationships

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 wellbeing 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.
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Children feel safe

- The Rights Respecting Schools Award 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.
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Children have better relationships

- Both with their teachers and their peers, based on mutual respect and the value of everyone’s opinion.

- In a Rights Respecting school children are treated as equals by their fellow pupils and by the adults in the school.

- Children and young people are involved in how the Award is implement in the school but are also involved in strategic decision-making; in decisions about their learning; and in views about their well-being.
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Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world

- This builds their confidence to make informed decisions.

- They have a moral framework, based on equality and respect for all that lasts a lifetime, as they grow into engaged, responsible members of society.

- Children and adults develop an ethos and language of rights and respect around the school. Rights and principles of the Convention are used to put moral situations into perspective and consider rights-respecting solutions – this all has a huge impact on relationships and well-being.

- Children and young people get very involved in raising awareness about social justice issues, both at home and abroad.

- They become ambassadors for rights and take part in campaigns and activities to help to bring about change.
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