Rights Respecting Schools: Bronze Accreditation
In Session 19-20, DHS will be working towards Bronze accreditation with the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools programme.
A Rights Respecting School is one in which the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC/CRC) is at the heart of the ethos and curriculum.
The CRC has been ratifies by 195 countries and consists of 42 articles outlining the rights which apply to all children and young people under the age of 18.
You can find out more about the UNCRC and how this applies in Scotland here:
https://www.cypcs.org.uk/rights/uncrcarticles
Our work towards becoming a Rights Respecting School is already well underway and is demonstrated through a variety of approaches across the whole school including:
- Positive relationships: restorative practices
- http://dalkeith.mgfl.net/restorative-practice/
- Positive relationships: classroom conduct
- http://dalkeith.mgfl.net/positive-relationships-in-the-classroom/
- Anti-bullying work
- http://dalkeith.mgfl.net/anti-bullying-policy/
- Focus on achievement
- http://dalkeith.mgfl.net/dhs-wider-achievement-policy/
- Pupil voice
- http://dalkeith.mgfl.net/category/pupil-voice-minutes/
Exploration of children’s rights is also a key feature of work undertaken by Pupil Support Leaders and in PSE classes, with exploration of a wide range of topics including mental health, LGBT rights, and respecting difference.
From May 2019, S1-S3 pupils will also be taught directly about the rights they hold and asked to explore how we ensure that we have an inclusive, respectful environment in which everyone’s rights are valued.
From August 2019, we will be putting together a steering group made up of pupils, staff and parents, to develop a Rights Respecting Schools Charter. If you would be interested in being part of this steering group, please contact Ms G Preston, Depute Headteacher.
A simplified version of the UNCRC is available here:
https://plan-international.org/child-friendly-poster-convention-rights-child
You can find out more about the programme here:
