We are proud that Stainburn is an accredited level one Rights Respecting School (RRS). This is an initiative run by UNICEF UK, which encourages schools to place the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) at the heart of its ethos and curriculum.

Staff and pupils here know about the UNCRC and what it means to be respectful of the rights of children and all humans. There is a shared responsibility between adults and pupils to encourage positive interpersonal relationships and to respect each child’s right to dignity, diversity and equality. The RRSA encourages pupils to become active, global citizens and to understand that with rights, comes responsibility. At Stainburn, pupils are encouraged to use their rights sensibly and appropriately, which is evident in all of our pupil-lead clubs and societies. A quantitative study of how pupils feel their rights are treated demonstrates that pupils feel they have a say in matters which affect them, and feel safe in school.

The RRSA is an initiative lead by pupils, for pupils. A steering group of pupils aged 11-16 have been heavily involved in the Rights Respecting Schools Award and their contribution has been, and continues to be, invaluable. Children’s rights are written into Stainburn School’s policies, and pupils can access a full list of their rights in every classroom in school. The school charters are our code of conduct, and have been written and worded around the opinions of staff and pupils alike. Children’s rights are in the hands of staff and pupils, and we all know that; “children’s rights are unconditional”span>.

The Rights Respecting Schools steering group 2010~2011