Alston Primary - A Rights Respecting School

At Alston Primary School, we are a Rights Respecting School which means that we advocate the children's rights that are outlined in the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child). Each week, our Article of the Week is shared with children, staff and parents which link to the children's rights and any news topics that may be prominent during that week.

Currently, we hold the Silver Award from Unicef as we have been recognised for promoting the rights within our school and children understand what their rights are. In June 2022, we hope to achieve the Gold Accreditation Award and we have already started our journey of 'Going for Gold'. There are 54 rights that the children have and these are shared daily during lessons, assemblies and via displays around school. Children are regularly quizzed on their understanding of the rights and many can link particular articles to certain subjects and topics, as well as articulate what the rights mean.

All members of staff at Alston Primary School are recognised as Duty Bearers. Each staff member wears a 'Duty Bearer' badge with pride and this shows the children that we are all here to protect their rights.

There are many events that take place throughout the year that link to the children's rights and each year group will take part in the Sustainable Global Goals campaigns which help to raise awareness of global issues.

Introducing... Article 17

Article 17 -  Access to information from the media

Every child has the right to reliable information from a variety of sources, and governments should encourage the media to provide information that children can understand.

Governments must help protect children from materials that could harm them.

Introducing...Article 30

Article 30 – Minority culture, language and religion
Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.

Introducing...Article 2

Article 2 – Non - discrimination.

The Convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background.

Introducing...Article 42

Article 19 – Knowledge of rights.

Governments must actively work to make sure children and adults know about the Convention.

Do you know your rights? Try to name as many of the rights that you can think of!

Introducing...Article 19

Article 19 – Protection from violence, abuse and neglect.

Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.

Introducing...Article 28

Every child has the right to an education.

Primary education must be free and different forms of secondary education must be available to every child.

Discipline in schools must respect children’s dignity and their rights.

Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.

Why is education important for children and young people?

Introducing...Article 14

Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights.

Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.

How does your school show they respect everyone’s beliefs?