Unicef awarded Eliot Bank with the Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award (May 2025)
What is the Rights Respecting Schools Award?
The Unicef UK Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) supports schools across the UK to embed human rights in their ethos and culture. The award recognises achievement in putting the UN Convention on the Right of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of a school’s practice to improve well-being and help all children realise their potential.
The initiative started in 2006 and schools involved in the Award have reported a positive impact on relationships and well-being, leading to better learning and behaviour, improved academic standards and less bullying.
A Silver Rights Respecting School demonstrates that children’s rights are not just displayed on walls, but are actively understood, practised, and beginning to shape the culture of the school. The school shows clear progress from initial awareness (Bronze achieved in 2023) towards deeper embedding of rights across policy, practice, and participation.
To achieve Silver Rights Respecting School status under the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA), a school must demonstrate that children’s rights are embedded in its ethos, policies, and daily practice. At Silver level (Level 1: Rights Aware), the school is required to show clear evidence of the following:
Rights Are Understood and Valued
- The school community has a good understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
- Children can explain what rights are and identify how these rights relate to their lives in school and beyond.
- Staff understand children’s rights and incorporate them into teaching and learning.
Rights Shape School Ethos and Relationships
- Children’s rights underpin school values and behaviour policies.
- Relationships between staff and pupils are respectful and model rights-respecting language and attitudes.
- Children feel safe, listened to, and respected.
Children’s Voices Are Heard
- Pupils have meaningful opportunities to share their views and influence decisions (e.g., through school council or pupil voice groups).
- Adults actively listen to and act upon children’s opinions.
- Children understand that they have the right to express their views and be taken seriously.
Rights Are Embedded in Curriculum and Learning
- Learning about rights is evident across subjects.
- Pupils explore global issues, equality, fairness, and social justice.
- Children understand that rights apply to all children everywhere.
Commitment to Equality and Non-Discrimination
- The school actively promotes inclusion and diversity.
- Children understand that all rights apply to all children without discrimination.
- There is clear action taken to challenge stereotypes and prejudice.
Partnership with the Wider Community
- Parents and carers are informed about the school’s commitment to children’s rights.
- The school begins to engage with local or global communities to promote rights awareness.