Why did we become a

Rights Respecting School? We strongly believe that respecting childrens rights and giving value to their voice, will have a major impact on their development as responsible and valued members of society.

What Makes Mudeford Junior School a Rights Respecting School?

As a school we. fully support the UNCRC strive to create an atmosphere where everyones rights are respected constantly use rights respecting language regularly refer to the articles in the convention ( through everyday life and during lessons) provide opportunities for the pupil voice to be heard involve pupils in decision making

Article 12 - Children have the right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions which affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account

These rights have been met in our school through: Class charters Lunchtime charters Class councils School council Head teacher forums Subject leader forums Participation in staff interviews

Class Charters
Children list their rights Discussion and agreement of rights Children think about responsibilities Discussion and agreement of responsibilities Class charter is produced and signed Charter is displayed on class notice board Charter is reviewed regularly

Lunchtime Charters
Article 31 All children have a right to relax and play, and

to join in a wide range of activities

All the children were involved. Lunchtime supervisors were involved. Together a list of rights was established. Each right was balanced with a responsibility. Rules were out Rights and Responsibilities were in! Charters were drawn up and signed by class representatives and lunchtime supervisor representatives. Charters are displayed in all classrooms and in shared areas.

The School Council

* Class councils are held

* School councillors meet monthly

Meetings are run by the children (link teacher present)

Various projects are undertaken Children are involved in fund raising School community is kept informed by newsletters

produced by the children.

The concept of childrens rights extends beyond the school community. Our children need to know and understand what is happening in: the local community the global community They need reliable information at a level they can access

Article 17 Children have the right to reliable information from the mass media. Television, radio and newspapers should provide information that children can understand

We subscribe to The Childrens Newspaper

We receive copies every half term All classes receive 10 copies for pupil access. Newspapers are paid for from funds raised by the children Pupils select articles which are displayed on newsboard Article 17 is displayed with all news

ARTICLE 28 All children have a right to primary education, which should be free. Wealthy countries should help poorer countries to achieve this.

As part of a rich country, we wanted to take action! We decided to sponsor a child ALL ABOUT ESTHER

This is where she goes to school

The classrooms are very plain

She lives with her mother, sister and brother in a single roomed mud hut. They sleep together on one mattress

They do not have a toilet, bathroom or kitchen. They cook and wash outside.

Most children (including Esther) have to walk a long way to school and they face many dangers on the way

Like Esther all these children want to go to school and learn.

Esther wants to be a nurse. The sponsorship money we send ensures that she is given her right to an education.

WHAT NEXT? Our children are beginning to understand their rights and accept their responsibilities, whilst thinking about the rights of all children in our global community. We know that todays children are the citizens of tomorrow. As adults at Mudeford Juniors we try to lead by example whilst embracing change and new ideas.

We achieved the RRS award Level in 1 in 2006 and Level 2 in 2008 and are now waiting to reconfirm accreditation in 2011