Rights Respecting at Rathfern Primary School
At Rathfern Primary School, we are proud to be a Rights Respecting School, where children’s rights sit at the centre of our vision, values, and everyday practice. We believe that when pupils understand their rights—and the rights of others—they learn to act with empathy, fairness, and confidence. Our aim is for every child to feel safe, valued, and empowered to make a positive difference in their community and the wider world.
Our work is rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), an international agreement that outlines what every child needs in order to grow, learn, and thrive. These rights apply to all children everywhere and help guide our approach to behaviour, wellbeing, inclusion, and global citizenship.
Throughout lessons, assemblies and wider school initiatives, children explore their rights and learn how these connect to real issues affecting young people around the world. We link this learning to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging pupils to think critically about fairness, equality and environmental responsibility.
Rights in Action at Rathfern
Across lessons, assemblies, and community projects, children learn about the UNCRC and how it connects to global issues, fairness, sustainability and social justice. We link this learning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging pupils to think critically about how rights can be protected locally and globally.
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Our rights-based approach also strengthens our teaching of the British Values:
Together, these principles help us nurture thoughtful, confident and compassionate young citizens. |
Key Terms Explained
UNCRC - United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
The global agreement outlining the rights all children are entitled to.
RRS - Rights Respecting School
A school that places children’s rights at the heart of its ethos, curriculum, and decision-making.
RRSA – Rights Respecting School Award
UNICEF’s accreditation programme recognising schools committed to embedding children’s rights.
UNICEF – United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
The international organisation that protects and promotes children’s rights worldwide.
Learn More
To find out more about the Rights Respecting Schools Award, visit:
Rights Respecting Schools (UNICEF) Website
UNICEF CRC Factsheet below:
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