A WOKINGHAM primary school has been recognised by international children’s rights organisation UNICEF.
Windmill Primary School is celebrating, having received UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award.
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting.
Currently, it works with nearly 5,000 primary schools, secondary schools, schools for children and young people with special educational needs and pupil referral units across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Schools have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships and well-being by enhancing pupils’ self-esteem, leading to less truancy and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.
Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK, and demonstrates a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life.
It recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice, where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.
Nicola Cotter, Headteacher of Windmill Primary School, said: “We are very proud to receive UNICEF UK’s Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award.
“This achievement shows our commitment to putting children’s rights at the heart of school life.
“It has strengthened our culture, improved wellbeing, and empowered pupils to have a voice.
“Thank you to our amazing children, staff, and families for making this possible.”
UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights.
Its Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.
There are over 600 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales that have received Gold.
For information, visit: windmillschool.org and unicef.org.uk
