Rights Respecting Schools

Gidea Park Primary School is proud to be recognised as a Rights Respecting School by UNICEF UK. We have achieved Bronze: Rights Committed and are now working towards Silver: Rights Aware. This means we are embedding children’s rights into our school ethos, curriculum, and daily life, helping pupils become responsible, active citizens.

                    

What is the Rights Respecting Schools Award?

The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It supports schools in creating an environment where children feel safe, valued, and heard, ensuring they understand both their rights and responsibilities.

How It Links to Our School Values

The RRSA aligns closely with our Core Values:

• Independence – Encouraging pupils to understand their rights and make confident choices.
• Respect – Fostering kindness, inclusion, and understanding in all aspects of school life.
• Perseverance – Building resilience to stand up for what is right and make a difference.
• Achievement – Creating a supportive environment where every child can thrive.
• Responsibility – Helping pupils understand their role in shaping a fair, caring community.

Right of the Month - July

Article 30 - Culture

 

July’s Article of the Month, chosen by our Rights Ambassadors, is Article 30:

Every child has the right to enjoy their own culture, practise their religion, and use their own language.

"We chose this article because it links perfectly with International Week, when each class will be learning about a different country and celebrating its culture, traditions, and language."

At, home, think about:

What can you do to help all children enjoy their right to learn and to use the language, customs and religion of their family even if they are not the majority? Try...

• understanding it is okay to speak your own language with friends and family
• learning about different languages, cultures and religions
• reading books by lots of different kinds of writers from all around the world
• learning about the world through the eyes of different people
• celebrating lots of special events like Burns Night, Chinese New Year, St David’s Day, Carnival
• enjoying food, music and dance from different countries

June

Article 29 -Education

This month, we are focusing on Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This article reminds us that education is not just about learning facts – it’s about helping children become the best version of themselves.

Education should help children:

• Develop their talents, personalities and confidence
• Learn to respect other people’s rights, cultures and beliefs
• Understand the importance of caring for the environment
• Get ready to take part in a fair and responsible society

As we near the end of the school year, June is the perfect time to reflect on how much children have grown, not just academically but as kind, respectful and thoughtful individuals. It’s also a great opportunity to look ahead and think about how learning can continue beyond the classroom over the summer.

Link to home:
Parents and carers can support this right at home by encouraging curiosity, celebrating effort, and talking about how we show respect for others and the world around us – every day, in simple ways.

Look out for class discussions, assemblies and activities throughout June that help children understand the true purpose of education – and how it prepares them for life.

May

Article 26 - Social and Economic Help

Every child has the right to help from the government if their family needs support to be healthy, safe, and to have what they need.

• In class:
  We make sure everyone feels included and no one is left out, even if their family finds things difficult. School helps all children to learn and grow.
• At home:
  Families can get help if they are struggling to buy food, clothes, or pay for things they need. This helps children have a safe and happy home.
• Worldwide:
  In every country, children and families should get support if they need it, so all children can have a good life no matter where they live.

April

Article 24 – Health, Water, Food and Environment

This month, we are focusing on Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which highlights every child's right to clean water, nutritious food, and a safe environment. At school, we support this by encouraging children to stay hydrated, promoting healthy eating, and caring for our surroundings through recycling, reducing waste, and keeping our spaces clean. We also teach children about how looking after the environment plays a key role in protecting this right.

At home, families can help by making small but meaningful choices like saving water, reducing plastic use, and recycling. Encouraging children to eat healthily, spend time outdoors, and understand the importance of caring for the planet all contribute to supporting this right. With Earth Day approaching on April 22nd, it's a great opportunity to talk about how protecting the environment helps ensure a healthier future for everyone.

Our Journey to Silver Accreditation

We are now working towards Silver: Rights Aware, ensuring that:

• Pupils not only learn about rights but see them in action.
• Our school policies, curriculum, and daily life reflect a rights-respecting culture.
• Children have a stronger voice in school and beyond.

How Are We Making a Difference?

At Gidea Park Primary, we:

• Discuss children's rights in lessons and assemblies.
• Encourage pupil voice in decision-making.
• Link rights to learning across subjects.
• Promote fairness, respect, and responsibility in school life.
• Are looking at ways to take part in projects supporting children’s rights locally and globally.

How Can You Get Involved?

We invite our whole school community—children, staff, parents, and carers—to support our journey by:

• Talking about children’s rights at home.
• Encouraging our Core Values in everyday life.
• Participating in school rights-based initiatives.

For more information, visit UNICEF UK.

 

We are excited to continue our journey towards Silver Accreditation, making Gidea Park Primary School a place where every child’s rights are recognised, respected, and celebrated!