Oaklands School obtained the Rights Respecting School Level 1 Award in February 2016 and is currently working towards Level 2. We hope to obtain Level 2 by the end of 2017. The work that we did on the 7 Golden Rules for Participation links in really well with the Rights Respecting Schools and staff are working hard to promote the rights as well as the 7 Golden Rules.

In Oaklands there is a Rights Respecting Working Group made up of staff from across the whole school who work on promoting the Rights to everyone, including our parents and partners. Recently we held a Rights Respecting Assembly where we took part in a fun filled Rights Hunt. Future projects include having a Rights Week and taking part in creative activities linked to the Rights that we are focusing on at Oaklands School.

In Oaklands School we are focusing on the following rights:

Article 7 (birth registration, name, nationality, care) Every child has the right to be registered at birth, to have a name and nationality, and, as far as possible, to know and be cared for by their parents.

Article 8 (protection and preservation of identity) Every child has the right to an identity. Governments must respect and protect that right, and prevent the child’s name, nationality or family relationships from being changed unlawfully.

Article 12 (respect for the views of the child) Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life.

Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

Article 24 (health and health services) Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, and a clean environment and education on health and well-being so that children can stay healthy. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.

 

What are Children’s Rights ?

Everyone has heard of the Human Rights Act. Children have additional rights as they are more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation compared to adults.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

The UNCRC is made up of 54 articles. 42 describe children’s rights and the others describe how the UN and governments work to ensure those rights.

Who are the rights for?

The rights are

• universal – all children have rights
• inaliable – the rights cannot be taken away
• indivisible – the rights are interdependent
• accountable – governments have the duty to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of children

Rights not rules