School strikes silver over right to respect
Children will be given the confidence to speak up about their rights and those of others thanks to a school project to make it a safe and inspiring place to learn.
The Ribbon Academy in Murton has gained a silver accreditation in the Rights Respecting Schools Award, which is run by Unicef, after pupils worked alongside teacher Hannah Rispin on the achievement.
The title aims to help schools be places where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive, helping them be happy, have healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
In turn, the award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations ConventionontheRightsofthe Child into practice within its community.
Now the Barnes Road school is looking to work towards its gold accreditation as the New Year begins.
Headteacher Ashleigh Sheridan said: “After a gruelling evaluation at the end of November, Ribbon secured silver accreditation in our Rights Respecting journey this means our school is now 'Rights Aware'.
“During the evaluation, we were complimented for the outstanding work we have completed to ensure our children at Ribbon are not only aware of their rights, but fully understand what they mean and what can be done if their rights aren't being respected.
“In such a short amount of time, Miss Rispin has successfully set up a working steering group, which works alongside Ribbon Parliament, to ensure pupilvoiceisheardandvalued.
"Ouraimnowistostrengthenourknowledgeofrightsand spread 'the word' in the wider community.
“Nextstepswillbedrawnup and shared with the steering group, with the aim of achieving gold accreditation in 2021.
"Itisimportanttorecognise thatourcommitmenttoRights Respecting is embedded into our ethos and will continue to shape policies and procedures withinschool;ineffect,thereis no 'end point'.
“Huge thanks to Miss Rispin and the steering group for speaking with clarity and conviction about our ‘Rights Respecting’journeyandsecuring silver accreditation.”
Unicef says schools involved in the award have reported a positive impact on relationships and well being, leading to better learning and behaviour,improvedacademic standards and less bullying.