UNICEF: Right's Respecting School

At St Cuthbert’s R.C. Primary School, we are proud to be recognised as a Gold Rights Respecting School. This award, given by UNICEF UK, is the highest level of accreditation and demonstrates that children’s rights are at the heart of everything we do.

Being a Gold school means that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is not just something we teach about – it is something that is lived and breathed every day in our school community. It shapes our ethos, our relationships, our decision-making, and the way we learn together.

What is a Rights Respecting School?

A Rights Respecting School is one where children and adults learn about children’s rights and actively put them into practice. It is not only about what children do, but also about how adults model respect, fairness, and responsibility.

At St Cuthbert’s, this means that:

• Children know their rights and can talk confidently about them.
• Staff model respect and ensure the rights of every child are valued and upheld.
• Decision-making across the school takes into account the voice, wellbeing, and best interests of the child.
• Rights are woven into the curriculum, the environment, and the culture of the school.

Right's respecting Impact

We were awarded the GOLD: RIGHTS RESPECTING in December 2022. This was a huge achievement for our school community and we have been working hard to maintain this high standard of rights for our pupils.

At St Cuthbert’s, children’s rights are central to our daily routines and teaching. This is evident in:

• Classroom charters created with the children and based on rights.
• School councils and pupil voice groups that ensure children help shape decisions.
• Assemblies, displays, and lessons that promote rights, respect, and global citizenship.
• Our work with families and the wider community, where respect and fairness extend beyond the school gates.

Being a Rights Respecting School has a lasting impact on every child. At St Cuthbert’s, we see this reflected in:

• Wellbeing – Children feel safe, listened to, and supported to flourish.
• Participation – Pupils have a voice and play an active role in shaping school life and the wider community.
• Relationships – Respect and understanding are at the heart of how children and adults interact with one another.
• Self-esteem – Children are confident, know their worth, and are empowered to achieve their potential.

Our Rights Council

At the heart of our Rights Respecting work is our Rights Council – a group of 12 members from Year 2 to Year 6.

The council meets weekly to promote children’s rights across the school. Each half term, they select a specific right to focus on and create an action plan to ensure this right is understood and put into practice throughout school life.

The council take on a leadership role by:

• Holding assemblies to raise awareness.
• Feeding back in classrooms and gathering ideas from other pupils.
• Meeting with children across the school to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Our commitment to being a Rights Respecting School does not stop at the school door. The Rights Council work closely with the Mini Vinnies to form an eco and community group, caring for both the local environment and those in need.

Recent projects include:

• Taking part in the Great British Spring Clean by collecting litter in the local area.
• Visiting a recycling centre and sharing their learning to encourage recycling across our community.
• Supporting outreach projects that show compassion and responsibility to others.

By placing children’s rights at the centre of all that we do, St Cuthbert’s is not only nurturing successful learners, but also respectful, compassionate global citizens who understand the importance of justice, equality, and dignity for all.

Our Current Focus

Each half term, our Rights Council chooses a right from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to focus on. They create an action plan, lead assemblies, and make sure every pupil’s voice is heard.

This half term, we are focusing on:

✨ Black History Month

Article 2 – The right to be treated fairly, no matter who you are.

Article 30 – The right to enjoy your own culture, language, and religion.