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Improving outcomes: Children’s rights in practice

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The true measure of a nation’s standing is how well it attends to its children – their health and safety, their material security, their education and socialization, and their sense of being loved, valued, and included in the families and societies into which they are born.

An overview of child well-being in rich countries UNICEF Report Card 7

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QUIZ

• Which three countries have not ratified the Convention?

• When was the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified by the UK?

• Who does the CRC apply to?• Give three examples of duty bearers?• How many rights are there?• What is article 42?

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Scenario

Kemi is a very bright 13 year old girl, but she is often late to school. While her attainment is very good, ‘lateness’ and handing in or doing homework is seen as problem.

Kemi has two younger siblings, who she cares for. She has a good network of friends.

Kemi’s mother has two jobs. She works early (cleaning) and late (elderly care home assistant).

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Article 29States Parties agree that the education of the child shall be directed to:

(a) The development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential;

(b) The development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations;

(c) The development of respect for the child’s parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilizations different from his or her own;

(d) The preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin;

(e) The development of respect for the natural environment

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UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award is based on principles of right to life, survival and development, dignity, non-discrimination, participation, best interests, holistic, transparency and accountability

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Four standards

• Leadership and management

• Knowledge of the Convention

• Ethos

• Pupil participation

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Knowledge of the Convention

This involves:– Learning AS a right– Learning ABOUT rights– Learning THROUGH rights– Learning FOR rights

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In a rights-respecting school

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The impact of RRSA

The UNCRC has been absorbed into the core values that drive our work and lead our school ethos. …staff feel better about themselves, feel more valued and better included within a rights-respecting ethos, bench-marking what we do and where we want to be as a school community. This is the most positive programme that I have been involved in as a school leader’

Dr Michael Dobbins, Principal, Foyle View School, L/Derry

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The atmosphere in the school is much better now. The way that students and teachers talk to each other – it’s more of a conversation now.

Year 10 pupil, Bolton

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• Pupil self-esteem – feeling heard and valued• Empowerment• Relationships• Engagement in learning• Understanding diversity within the school and

within the world • Global citizenship and justice

Impact

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Find out morewww.unicef.org.uk/rrsa

Rights Respecting Schools Award

Contact Frances Bestley

francesb@unicef.org.uk