UNICEF Rights                          Respecting Schools Award

At William Shrewsbury Primary School, we believe that when children feel safe, valued, and heard, they can achieve their very best. We are proud to announce that we have started our journey toward the UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA).

This award recognises our commitment to putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of our school’s planning, policies, and practice. We aren’t just teaching children about their rights; we are creating an environment where those rights are lived and breathed every day.

Leading the way on this journey is our newly formed Rights Squad! This is a dedicated group of students from Year 5 and 6 who have volunteered to be the 'Rights Champions' for their peers.

The Rights Squad meets regularly to ensure that student voice is at the centre of our school’s decision-making. From choosing our 'Right of the Month' to helping create our new Classroom Charters, our Rights Squad is the engine behind our progress toward the Bronze Award.

UNICEF Rights of The Child

Rights Respecting Schools: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If children have "rights," does that mean they don't have to follow school rules?

A: Not at all! In a Rights Respecting School, "rules" often evolve into "Charters." Instead of a list of things students can’t do, a Charter is an agreement of how we will act to protect each other’s rights. For example, if every child has the Right to Learn (Article 28), then we all have a responsibility to not disrupt the lesson so that everyone's right is protected.

Q: Will this take away from my child’s academic learning?

A: Actually, it enhances it. Research shows that in Rights Respecting Schools, students feel safer and more included, which leads to better concentration, higher engagement, and improved results. When a child feels their voice is valued, they are more motivated to succeed.

Q: How can I support this at home?

A: You can help by using "Rights Language" at home.

• Instead of saying, "Clean your room because I said so," you might say, "You have a Right to a Clean and Safe Environment (Article 24), so let's work together to look after our space."

• Ask your child which "Right of the Month" the Rights Squad is focusing on.