Rights Respecting School

The Vale Primary is a Rights Respecting School

We are a school that integrates the principles of children's rights into our culture, policies and practices, promoting an environment where all students' rights are respected and celebrated.

At Vale Primary School, our aim is to ensure our pupils become: Small badge

Successful learners.

Confident individuals.

Responsible citizens.

Effective contributors.

UNICEF and the UNCRC

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. In 1989, governments worldwide promised all children the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). These rights are based on what a child needs to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential. The convention sets out the rights of children in 54 articles.

It is underpinned by four principles:

1. Non-discrimination
2. Commitment to the best interests of the child
3. The right to life, survival and development
4. Respect for the views of the child

Find out more about the UNRC

The Rights Respecting School Award

Vale Primary School is proud to be working with UNICEF on the Rights Respecting Schools Award which embeds the rights of the child in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens. There are three strands to the award: teaching about rights, teaching through rights and teaching for rights. Find out more

There are three levels to the award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Find out more

ABCDE of Rights

Our learners will know and understand the ABCDE of children’s rights through school displays:

A Rights are for ALL children. (Universal)

B Rights are there at BIRTH. (Inherent)

C Rights CANNOT be taken away. (Inalienable)

D Rights DO NOT have to be earnt. (Unconditional)

E All rights are EQUALLY important. (Indivisible)

Duty Bearers and Rights Holders

All adults at Vale Primary are duty bearers and they are responsible for ensuring children experience their rights. All children are rights holders.

Right Respecting in Practice

By learning about their rights, our children also learn about the importance of respecting the rights of others. Our learners are encouraged to reflect on how their behaviour and actions affect those around them which allows us to build and maintain a positive and safe learning environment for all. Knowledge and understanding of their rights enable our children to become global citizens and ambassadors for all children’s rights.

RRSA development is strategically planned and included in the school improvement plan.
Regular staff meetings are timetabled so that all staff’s knowledge and understanding remains relevant.
The whole school community learns about the UNCRC and the RRSA through class dojo, the school website and newsletters.
Weekly assemblies are linked to UNCRC articles.
Rights Respecting Steering Group members regularly meet.
All classes have a class charter Class Charter.
Wherever possible, learning is viewed from a rights’ perspective.
Staff and children model rights respecting language.
Children’s opinions and thoughts are sought, encouraged and respected in all aspects of the school’s work.
Pupil leadership opportunities are encouraged.
Children’s mental and physical health is seen as a priority.

Whole School Approach and the role of the Class Charter

All members of our school community have roles and responsibilities in promoting and abiding by these principles. Each charter is created by the children and staff within the class and all sign up to it, agreeing to respect the rights for themselves and others with their responsible behaviour. These are created each Autumn Term and referred to regularly as a natural part of our school culture.

All our class charters reflect the principles and the culture of being Ready, Respectful and Safe.

Vale Top Ten Articles

As a school, we have voted and agreed on our top 10. These 10 rights will be focussed on in school discussion, and as we continue our journey, we will look into how we can support children to ensure these rights are met! Please have a look at the chosen ‘Vale Top Ten Articles’ below.

Article 1 - All children have these rights

Article 3 - Adults must do what is best for me

Article 6 - I should be supported to live and grow

Article 12 - I have the right to be listened to, and taken seriously

Article 15 - I have the right to meet with friends and join groups

Article 16 - I have the right to keep some things private

Article 17 - I have the right to get information in lots of ways, so long as it is safe

Article 28 - I have the right to an education

Article 31 - I have the right to relax and play

Article 39 - I have the right to help if I have been hurt, neglected or badly treated

What can children expect from staff?

Children will know that they will be treated fairly and consistently.
They will be listened to and expected to listen to others.
Rights demonstrated in action will be praised and rewarded, both in the classroom and around.
A PSHCE curriculum that will be used to develop school core “Rights Respecting” Values and explicitly teach and explore social and emotional skills. These may take the form of Circle Time, PSHCE/SEALs lessons, P4C or assemblies.
Regular emotional check ins are available for children to speak to someone about things that may be worrying them

What can adults expect from children?

To listen to adults and each other
To take part in activities that will help them understand their own needs and those of others.
To begin to think about others and show a developing awareness of other people’s needs.

To treat everyone in the school community with respect and kindness considering their rights, both as learners, teachers, adults and children.
To follow the Class Charter and behave appropriately.
To attend every day, arrive on time, move around school calmly and safely, and enter the school ready to learn
To respect the school environment and property
To participate and play an active role within school

Rights Respecting Steering Group

Using democracy, the children were asked to elect two members from each group (Years 1-6) to be part of a steering group. A mascot was chosen and pupils joined forces to become: Vale’s Rights Respecting Steering Group. Together we act a bit like a school council; aiming to improve our school, whilst actioning our Rights Respecting Schools action plan.

Find out more about what our role is here: Find out more

This year our elected Steering Group is:

Theo, Erin, Harry, Beau, Maddie, Leo, Finn, Lylah, Orla, Imogen, Hayley, Elsie, Chloe, Charlotte, Max, Evie, Archie, Maddison, Megan, Malo, Caleb, Darcy, Summer, Jacques, Charlie, Jackson, Isabella, Jasper, Ezra, Freddie, Eleanor, Sebastian and Jacob.