UNICEF Rights Respecting School

Priory Integrated College is committed to being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School. Currently we are working towards achieving the UNICEF Silver Award. We have our Rights Respecting Steering Group who are working together to promote the Convention on the Rights of the Child in all aspects of school life. They have been involved in helping to raise awareness of this by taking part in assemblies and also consulting on new policies being introduced in school.

A Rights Respecting School is a place where we can all feel confident with ourselves and it encourages us to use our voice.  It has helped me build my confidence.  It has helped me raise awareness of injustice in the world.

A pupil from a Rights Respecting Primary School

There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting School; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem.   The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.

Children are healthier and happier

By promoting the values of respect, dignity and non-discrimination, children’s self-esteem and wellbeing is boosted and they are less likely to suffer from stress.  A child who understands their rights understands how they and others should be treated and their sense of self-worth is strengthened.

Children feel safe

The Rights Respecting Schools Award gives children a powerful language to use to express themselves and to challenge the way they are treated.  They are also able to challenge injustices for other children.

Children have better relationships

Both with their teachers and their peers, based on mutual respect and the value of everyone’s opinion.  In a Rights Respecting school children are treated as equals by their fellow pupils and by the adults in the school.

Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world

This builds their confidence to make informed decisions. They have a moral framework, based on equality and respect for all that lasts a lifetime, as they grow into engaged, responsible members of society.