Shawhead Primary School has been recognised by one of the world’s leading children’s charities.
The school has received the silver level in the Rights Respecting School Award from UNICEF.
Rights Respecting Schools awards are granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.
Silver is given to schools that make excellent progress towards embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the rights of the child into its ethos and curriculum.
Headteacher Karen Little said: “I am delighted that the whole school’s hard work has been rewarded with gaining the silver level in the Rights Respecting Schools award.
“Pupils at Shawhead are really involved in the life of the school and take responsibility for a variety of events and activities.
“They spoke very well at the assessment meeting and showed they really understand what their rights are and that these rights apply to every child.”
The award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice. A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting. This year the programme has received additional support from The People’s Postcode Lottery.
This vital funding is helping UNICEF UK continue its work with over 4500 primary schools, secondary and special educational needs schools and pupil referral units across the United Kingdom.
Schools have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships and well-being by enhancing pupils’ self-esteem, leading to less truancy and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.
