A Caithness school has struck gold as they earn a top UNICEF award.
Halkirk Primary School has been awarded gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.
The top accolade is granted to schools who prioritise children’s rights, encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.
The 104-strong school has been working in tandem with UNICEF since April 2019.
Its not the first time the school has been recognised, having previously been awarded a silver certificate in June 2022.
Headteacher of Halkirk Primary, Fiona MacLeod said: “I am absolutely delighted that Halkirk Primary School has received the prestigious Gold Award from UNICEF UK.
“I am extremely proud of all our children, staff, parents, wider school community and partners, who have all worked incredibly hard to ensure children’s rights are embedded across the whole school community.
“I would like to give a special mention to Mrs Win Campbell, who as our RRSA Lead, has guided us through all the stages of becoming a Rights Respecting School and our journey from Bronze, through to Silver and now achieving our Gold Award.”
The Award 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. A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.
UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Programme Director, Martin Russell, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Halkirk Primary School on achieving the Rights Respecting School’s Award at Gold.
“Pupils have a strong knowledge of rights and understand why they are important to their lives, whilst duty bearers are passionate about the Rights Respecting work of the school and the impact this is having on outcomes for children.
“Everyone should be very proud of their achievements.”