Alexandra Primary School has become the first primary school in Kingston upon Thames to be awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.
The UNICEF UK programme recognises schools that put the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, and practice. 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.
The news comes as the school received the highest possible rating, “outstanding”, in all judgement areas, from Ofsted following a recent inspection.
Local MP Sarah Olney visited the school to congratulate the children and staff. “This important award granted by UNICEF UK shows that Alexandra Primary School has embedded an approach to teaching and learning that is based on the rights of children and that this is present in every aspect of school life” she said.
“I can see that the school is guiding children to become empowered citizens and advocates for justice and fairness worldwide. I am incredibly proud of the children and the staff for their wonderful achievement, including in their recent Oftsed inspection, and I congratulate them wholeheartedly.”
UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. Alexandra School has been working with UNICEF UK since November 2020, receiving their Silver certificate in 2022.
Robert Waiting, Headteacher of Alexandra Primary School said: “I am so proud of our whole school community for achieving the UNICEF Gold Award. It demonstrates our commitment to children’s rights and our determination to embed all the principles into our school ethos and curriculum.
“Our Ofsted result is also a fantastic achievement and a testament to our dedicated and hardworking team who go above and beyond every day. During our inspection, the children here demonstrated such enthusiasm for learning, and I could not be prouder of every single child at the school.”
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting. Schools participating have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships, and well-being by enhancing pupils’ self-esteem, leading to less truancy, and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.
Martin Russell, UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Programme Director said: ““We are very pleased to award Gold to Alexandra Primary School. It is clear that the whole school has embraced a culture based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Alexandra Primary School is a very inclusive school where children report feeling valued and safe irrespective of their background.
“Pupils also have many genuine opportunities to have their views heard and influence key aspects of school life, in turn creating a positive learning environment. It was also clear that children had an excellent grasp of children’s rights and social justice, and so did school staff, parents, carers, and the school’s governors. Everyone should be very proud of their achievement.”
