Children’s rights at the heart of school life for Argyll and Bute
Putting children’s rights at the heart of school life, policy and decision-making has led Argyll and Bute Council to be one of only three local authorities in Scotland to achieve one hundred percent of its Primary and Secondary Schools registered for UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award.
The UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) school is classed as a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted to improve wellbeing and develop every child’s talents and abilities to their full potential. Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the programme focuses on giving children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and be responsible, active citizens.
All Argyll and Bute schools are taking part in the RRSA programme with nine schools achieving gold, 21 silver and 41 bronze to date.
Children and young people have worked on a number of projects based on RRSA principles including equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. Activities include taking part in fundraising and raising awareness of children’s rights and buddying programmes where they make sure everyone has the right to have friends. In many cases, pupils are also involved in designing the curriculum in their schools and have strategies in class and schools to make sure everyone can access their right to an education where additional support is in place for anyone who needs it.
As part of their ongoing work, children and young people helped create a one-page illustration of the rights they feel are most important to them. This follows the passing by Scottish Parliament of The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill. The Act helps ensure that children’s rights are at the heart of policy and decision-making.
We asked children and young people across Argyll and Bute what Rights Respecting Schools Award means to them.
“Younger people can know about their rights, no matter who they are or what they are.”
“We all feel included”
“If we didn’t learn about rights, there wouldn’t be equality.”
“We have a right to a voice.”
“It’s so children can have a better childhood.”
“Be the best you can, be respectful, be kind and be responsible.”
Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Audrey Forrest, said: “We are committed to improving the outcomes for our children and young people in Argyll and Bute, and that starts by creating safe and inspiring spaces to learn.
“It’s fantastic to hear our pupils talk about what Rights Respecting means to them and the important role it plays in their lives. I’m proud to say that every single one of our schools is now working towards their gold, silver and bronze RRSA.
The award is not just about what children do, but also what adults do, with staff and children working together to reach these goals together to help young people to realise their potential. Well done to everyone involved.”
Read more about the Rights Respecting Schools Awards.