In 2019 Guardian Angels Catholic Primary School began a journey towards gaining UNICEF accreditation as a Rights Respecting School. The Rights Respecting Schools accreditation was borne out of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. There are four underpinning principles:-

1. Non-discrimination ~ Treat everyone fairly and with respect;
2. Right to life, survival & development ~ Children and youth have a right to the basic things to live, survive & develop;
3. Best interests of children & youth ~ Always ask yourself 'is the decision I'm making good for kids?'
4. Respect the views of children & youth ~ Children & youth need to participate and have their views considered when decisions are being made that affect them. 

UNICEF is the world's leading organisation working with children and their rights. It was founded by the United Nations in 1946 in a response to the post war devastation in Europe. In 1953 the UN children's fund was made permanent and it now leads the way in global citizenship for children.

What makes 'rights' different?

• Rights are based on entitlement
• They are enshrined in international law
• They require participation and engagement

Rights have involvement - Needs don't! It is important young people have a voice. A Rights Respecting School will acknowledge this.

Our Journey so Far.....

We have already achieved our Recognition of Commitment level by setting up a Steering Group, carrying out an audit and producing an action plan. Rights Respecting will be embedded in all school practice - it will encourage children and staff to think about actions that operate in the best interest of the child - that is the top priority.

The next step of our accreditation is the silver award, evaluating the impact of RRS in school and how effectively we are progressing on the journey.

PUPIL VOICE - MAKE SURE YOU USE IT!

The concept of 'Pupil Voice' is one that the children have really enjoyed putting in to practice! It has been the basis of a lot of their decision making this year, from things like voting for the House Captains, to choosing our nominated school charities. By giving our children this important forum for self expression, we meet the expectations of Rights Respecting Article 12 - The Right to be Heard.