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:

✨ Gifts and Talents:  Linked to Children's Mental Health Week

Article 29 – Article 29 means school should help us discover our talents, feel proud of what we’re good at and believe in ourselves.

Rights Respecting Council Fundraising for Children’s Mental Health Week

Our Rights Respecting Council (RRC) will be raising money to support Place2Be as part of Children’s Mental Health Week, taking place from 9th–13th February 2026.

Children’s mental health is something we care deeply about, and we believe every child has the right to feel safe, supported and listened to. By supporting Place2Be, we are helping ensure that children who are struggling can access the emotional support they need.

Fundraising events and activities

Although Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 9th–13th February, our fundraising will continue beyond this week, with a range of activities and events planned and hosted by the Rights Respecting Council.

We are kicking off our fundraising on Friday 13th February with a “Come As You Are” Day.

On this day, children are invited to come to school wearing their own clothes. We are encouraging everyone to donate a suggested £1 to wear an outfit that makes them feel:

• comfortable
• confident
• and like they truly belong

This could be cosy clothes, cultural dress, favourite colours, or something totally unique. The aim is to celebrate individuality and remind everyone that it’s okay to be yourself.

On the same day, talent shows will also be hosted in each class, giving children the opportunity to showcase their passions and talents in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment. This is a chance for children to celebrate what makes them unique and to build confidence by sharing something they enjoy with others.

How to donate

Posters with QR codes will be displayed around school, making it easy to donate. Information will also be shared in a letter sent home and in our weekly newsletters.

👉 You can also donate online here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/st-cuthberts-rrc?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Alternatively, cash donations are also very welcome.

Thank you for supporting our Rights Respecting Council and helping us stand up for children’s mental health 💛