The Rights Respecting Schools Award is an initiative run by UNICEF UK. 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. The Phoenix School started its journey as a Rights Respecting School when it was awarded Bronze status in September 2018.
At the end of October, an assessor met virtually with students, staff and one of the school governors to talk to them about their journey to becoming Silver Rights Aware. She quizzed three of students asking what they knew about their rights and how the school supported them in learning about their rights. She asked about how they exercised their rights, as well as promoting the rights of others.
The assessor commented “Students were clear that they feel supported and respected while at the Phoenix School”. She heard about how the school encourages students to be actively involved in their learning. Through learning about children’s rights, there has been a noticeable impact on the young people’s positive attitude towards diversity.
“We’re really proud of this achievement and are now working to embed our learning and prepare our action plan for working towards becoming a Gold Rights Respecting School.”Katy Edmondson, Head Teacher
The Phoenix School works with the young people at Cygnet Hospital Sheffield, an inpatient Tier 4 CAMHS unit, with a capacity of 38 pupils. As well as getting the therapy they need, pupils study a range of national curriculum subjects through personalised learning and support.