Rights Respecting School

Rights Respecting Schools Journey at Ysgol Y Bryn

At Ysgol Y Bryn, we are excited to announce that we have recently embarked on our journey to become a Rights Respecting School. This is an important initiative that aligns with our school values and ethos, focusing on promoting and protecting the rights of every child. As part of our commitment to this journey, we are working towards achieving the Bronze Award, which marks the first step on the path to fully embedding children’s rights into our school culture.

What is a Rights Respecting School?

A Rights Respecting School is one where children’s rights are at the heart of the school’s philosophy. It means ensuring that pupils not only learn about their rights but also actively respect and promote the rights of others. The initiative is led by Unicef UK, and the Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) is based on the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which sets out the rights of every child, including the right to education, protection, and participation.

By becoming a Rights Respecting School, we are creating a school community where every child’s rights are recognised, celebrated, and respected. We are committed to promoting an environment where children understand their rights and are encouraged to be active citizens who respect the rights of others.

Achieving the Bronze Award

Our first goal is to achieve the Bronze Award, which acknowledges that we are beginning our journey towards becoming a fully Rights Respecting School. To achieve this award, we must focus on the following:

Learning About the Rights of the Child:
- Pupils and staff will learn about the UNCRC and the 42 articles that outline the rights of children.
- The school will incorporate rights education into everyday school life, helping children understand their rights and how to respect the rights of others.
Embedding Rights in School Practice:
- We are working to integrate children's rights into our school policies and practices. This includes embedding rights into our curriculum, daily routines, and the way we treat each other.
- The school will focus on developing positive relationships, mutual respect, and inclusivity for all students and staff.

3. Promoting Student Participation:

- Pupils will be encouraged to share their opinions, contribute to decision-making processes, and engage in activities that promote their rights.
- A key aspect of the journey is ensuring that children’s voices are heard in school and that they feel empowered to take ownership of their learning environment.

4. Creating a Rights-Respecting Culture:

- We aim to create a school culture where children and adults are actively involved in promoting and respecting the rights of others.
- The Rights Respecting School initiative will influence our school’s ethos, reinforcing the values of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect.

What Will You See Changing?

As we progress on our journey towards the Bronze Award, there will be several positive changes in the school environment. Here’s what you can expect to see:

Increased Awareness of Children’s Rights: You may notice that discussions around children’s rights become more visible in classrooms and school events. This includes displays, resources, and activities that highlight the rights of children.
Rights in Action: Children will be actively involved in decisions that affect them. They will learn how to participate in school life, how to express their opinions respectfully, and how to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Enhanced School Environment: The school will be more inclusive and respectful, with a focus on promoting equality and respect for all. You will see a focus on celebrating diversity and ensuring that every child feels valued and heard.
Opportunities for Pupil Voice: Through assemblies, pupil councils, and class discussions, children will have opportunities to speak out about what matters to them and how they can contribute to the school community.
Supportive and Caring Environment: Staff and pupils will be encouraged to respect one another, fostering an environment where everyone’s rights are respected. We will celebrate achievements related to rights and ensure that all children are treated with dignity.

How You Can Support Us

As we continue our journey, your support as parents and carers will be invaluable. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

Engage with Your Child About Rights: Ask your child about their rights and the Rights Respecting Schools programme. Encouraging discussions at home can reinforce the learning taking place in school.
Participate in School Activities: Look out for activities and events related to rights, and consider attending or supporting these initiatives.
Share Your Feedback: As we work towards the Bronze Award, we welcome feedback from parents, carers, and the wider community. Your input helps ensure that we are on the right path to creating a truly inclusive and respectful environment.

Looking Ahead

Achieving the Bronze Award is just the first step in our journey. Once we have received the Bronze Award, we will continue working towards the Silver and Gold Awards, which will further embed children’s rights into all aspects of school life. We are excited to see how this journey will enhance our school community and help us create an even more respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all.

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