Rights Respecting School

St Thomas of Canterbury wants to be a school where children’s rights are at the heart of our ethos and culture, to improve well-being and to develop every child’s talents and abilities to their full potential. The ‘Rights Respecting Schools Award’ embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens. As part of this plan we are working towards recognition as a Rights Respecting School, an award given to schools on behalf of UNICEF UK.

UNICEF UK works with schools to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.  The Rights Respecting Schools Award supports schools to put in place a set of standards based on equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. These values stem from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

At St Thomas of Canterbury pupils will learn about their rights by putting them into practice every day. You can find out more about the Award here: unicef.uk/About_RRSA

There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem.

The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community:

• Children are healthier and happier
• Children feel safe
• Children have better relationships
• Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world

More information about UNICEF’s ‘Rights Respecting Schools Award’ can be found on their website, see the link attached below:https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/