Rights Respecting School

In September 2016 we began our journey to become a ‘Rights Respecting School’, achieving Level 1 (SILVER) accreditation in July 2017. We are incredibly proud to say that in July 2018 we were assessed for Level 2 (GOLD) and were the first school in St. Helens to achieve this!

In July 2018, we proudly became the first school in St Helens to achieve a Level 2 (GOLD) accreditation as a Rights Respecting School. This year we will be striving to be reaccredited with this. 

What is a 'Rights Respecting School'?

‘A UNICEF UK Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted. Children and the school community learn about children’s rights by putting them into practice every day.’ (RRSA website)

In addition to this our children will develop a deeper understanding and respect for other people’s religions, cultures, beliefs and abilities and have a wider and deeper understanding of the world in which we live.

Who are UNICEF?

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights.

What is the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child?

In 1989, governments across the world promised that every child would have the same rights when they adopted the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The convention tells everyone what they must do to make sure that every child can grow, learn, be safe, can be listened to and treated fairly.

There are 43 articles relating to children’s rights in the charter.

What is a global citizen?

Global citizenship is an important part of our children's education.

A global citizen in a Rights Respecting School is someone who knows their rights, believes everybody has rights and is committed to working towards a world where everyone can access their rights. At Lyme we are striving to develop outward looking global citizens

What's happened this year? 

As well as renewing our 'Gold' status, this year the children are working hard to promote the rights of children in school, as well as our global community. On World Children's Day (20th November 2022), the RRS group led a class assembly reinforcing the rights of children worldwide. The focus was to explore Article 45 and think about the different ways UNICEF helps children around the world to access their rights. From climate change, education and mental health, to ending racism and discrimination, children and young people are raising their voices on the issues that matter to their generation and calling for adults to create a better future.

The RRS Team also led the OutRight campaign (that has Paddington Bear as one of its ambassadors) by providing a whole school assembly to launch the campaign as well as leading activities in class. OutRight is a youth campaign run by UNICEF UK that helps children and young people to speak out about children’s rights across the world. It’s a campaign by children, for children. This year  it was focusing on health services, both in our local area and worldwide. Below are some of the photos of our work and activities. 

The Rights Respecting Easter Egg Competition was a huge success - and a great opportunity for the children to share their knowledge on rights with their familes while exploring their creativity. There were some fabulous entries - well done to all who took part. 

The childrn have also been working on the 'Send a Friend to School' campaign to raise awareness of the problems children face across the globe accessing education. Whether it be due to war, famine, poverty or many other reasons. The children have written letters to our local leaders to petition them to support the various causes and support children worldwide in getting the right to an education. 

We have made a music video explaining about what RRS looks like at Lyme

We're even helping lots of other schools on their Rights Respecting School Journeys.

RRS Ambassadors at Sherdley

Some lovely feedback from the children and staff at Sherdley Primary after our children led an Assembly there last week.

In our team meeting yesterday one of the children said, "Lyme school helped to give us ideas about our Rights journey" Another one said "I like that they use News round.”

    Miss Macdonald went on a visit to Lyme and said, "The visit helped give me direction. As a result of my visit to Lyme I created my own Rights Respecting Team where previously the school council had supported me. Lyme School showed me how to introduce Rights into the environment and our children have created their own playground and hall charters. We really appreciate and value the support and guidance Lyme School has given us. A big thanks to Mrs Roberts and her team'

      And Feedback from Hurst Knoll St James

As the Headteacher of Hurst Knoll St, James’, I wanted to implement the Rights Respecting Schools programme but was unaware of how schools had done this successfully. Thankfully, Mrs. Roberts and the wonderful children of Lyme Community Primary School facilitated a visit for me to meet them and see how the programme works for them. The children were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and were able to demonstrate the impact of the programme on them and their school. The lead was able to provide further detail with regard to how she had overseen the implementation of the programme and left me in no doubt that the programme would be of benefit to the children and staff of my school. I am delighted to say we have begun the programme and can see the positive impact it has had on our children and our school ethos and are grateful for the support provided by the RRS team at Lyme Community Primary School.’

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