Rights Respecting School
We are proud to be accreditated with the silver status as a Rights Respecting School.
UNICEF’s Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA) recognises achievement in putting the Convention at the heart of a school’s ethos.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the rights of every person under 18 and how those rights should be met. It is an international statement of the civil, political, social and cultural rights of children. The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention in 1989 and it was approved by the United Kingdom in 1991.
There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem.
There are four guiding principles within the Department for Education (DfES) Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage set the standards that all early years providers must meet, they are:
- Every child is a unique child, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured
- Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships
- Children learn and develop well in enabling environments with teaching and support from adults, who respond to their individual interests and needs.
- Children benefit from a strong partnership between practitioners and parents and/or carers. Children develop and learn at different rates. Education and care of all children in early year’s provision, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
At Martenscroft, the child is at the heart of everything we do and we whole-heartedly respect children’s rights. The children are supported in respecting each other, adults and their environment. Children’s views are sought and they gradually become able to lead their own learning, through pursuing their natural curiosity. A child who understands their rights understands how they and others should be treated and their sense of self-worth is strengthened.
The children 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 and wider community. They become ambassadors for rights and take part in campaigns and activities to help to bring about change for all.
As a Rights Respecting School we want to make a difference that goes beyond the school gates, and make a positive impact on the whole community.
Education is the first step on the path to wisdom. We can create a better future for us all by championing human rights, welcoming difference and diversity, and looking after our planet’s resources. Each person on earth deserves to be treated with respect and dignity , not to be discriminated against and to be valued as part of our international family.
