St Augustine’s is working with UNICEF on their Rights Respecting Awards programme for schools. Using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) UNICEF works with schools across the country. The Award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond.

UNICEF works with schools to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. The Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.

Article 2 (non-discrimination) – The Convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background.

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 13 (freedom of expression) – Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.

Article 19 (protection from violence, abuse and neglect) – Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.