St. Stephen's Junior School is a Rights Committed school where children's rights are at the heart of our ethos and culture. We aim to improve well-being and develop every child's talents and abilities to their full potential! We have successfully achieved our Bronze `Rights Committed` status and we are currently working towards our Silver `Rights Aware` award. 

Please find below a link to our Silver: Rights Aware Action Plan. 

What is the UNCRC?

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was established in 1989. It details 54 Articles which apply to every child under the age of 18, regardless of factors such as gender, ethnicity, religion, language and ability. Every adult is a duty bearer and it is their responsibility to ensure children are protected and that they have access to these rights. All children should be treated with dignity, respect and fairness. They should be protected from harm, encouraged to develop their full potential and to actively participate in matters concerning themselves and others. This convention underpins everything UNICEF does to aid children around the world. 

What is the Rights Respecting School award? (RRSA)

A Rights Respecting School puts children's rights (UNCRC) at the heart of its school. This ensures schools are creating safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. These values are embedded in daily school life and provide children with the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens. 

Because of this importance, Pupil Voice have created a Whole School Charter which highlights the rights we feel are our priority within our school setting.  

How can parents support what children are learning about rights at school?

• Ask your child what he/she has learned recently regarding children’s rights. 
• Discuss and try to think of examples from your own experiences, or from the media, of rights being respected or denied. 
• Consider how your child or your family can promote respect for rights, or help those whose rights have been violated. 
• Ask your child’s opinion on children’s rights.  

Article 31 – Rest, play, culture, arts

Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

With some help from Michael Rosen, Norton Road Primary School children explain why play is so important to them. This video was produced by the British Psychological Society's Division of Educational and Child Psychology.