MEADOWS First School in Bromsgrove has received the prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award for the second time as part of the charity’s ‘Rights Respecting School’ programme.
Meadows is the only one in Worcestershire to have received the accolade.
UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools which show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.
Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life.
There are just 600 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales which have received Gold.
The school has been working with UNICEF UK since November 2017, gaining the silver certificate in February 2019.
Headteacher Sue Hewitt said: “We are delighted to have received this award for the second time.
“Children’s rights are central to our vision for the school where their rights are respected, promoted and protected by everyone.
“Pupils at Meadows have a real say in what happens in our school.
“They are global citizens, standing up for the rights of children in our community and all around the world.”
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools scheme 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 wellbeing by enhancing pupils’ self-esteem, leading to less truancy and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.