PICTURES: Easter Ross primary schools going for gold after UNICEF UK silver award for children’s rights work
The head teacher of two Easter Ross primary schools has hailed pupils’ “hard work, dedication and compassion” after they were awarded the Silver “Rights Respecting Schools” award by UNICEF UK.
Pupils and staff at Inver Primary and Knockbreck Primary have spent the last two years working towards the accolade, having earned the bronze award in 2023.
The achievement recognises their commitment to embedding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into daily school life.
To earn the silver standard, both schools had to show that children’s rights were not only being taught but also respected and upheld across the whole school community.
This included developing positive relationships, fostering an inclusive ethos, and promoting pupil wellbeing.
Children also demonstrated how they were helping others to understand rights, both locally and globally.
Celebrations were held at each school to mark the milestone. At Knockbreck Primary, a special silver-themed assembly took place, with pupils sharing their learning and achievements with one another.
Meanwhile, Inver Primary’s Rights Respecting Schools (RRS) steering group took charge of organising a party with a silver twist.
Children and staff dressed in silver, played themed games such as Pass the Silver Parcel and Catch the Silver Tail, and enjoyed specially baked cakes with silver decorations.
A silver photo booth added to the fun, with plenty of smiles captured throughout the day.
UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools framework encourages schools to place the UNCRC at the heart of their values and culture, to improve wellbeing and help all children realise their potential.
With silver status now secured, both schools have their eyes on the gold award — the highest level of recognition in the programme.
Pupils are already planning their next steps on the journey.
Jane Mackay, head teacher for both Inver and Knockbreck schools, said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award – a reflection of the hard work, dedication and compassion shown by our entire school community.
“This journey has empowered our pupils to understand and embrace their rights and the rights of others, fostering a culture of respect, inclusion and active citizenship.
“Through meaningful discussions and daily school life, our children have developed a strong sense of fairness, empathy and global awareness.
“This award marks an important step in our commitment to nurturing confident, thoughtful individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.
“Special thanks to Mrs Mackenzie and the rights respecting group for Inver and Miss Orwin and the rights respecting group for Knockbreck.
“We look forward to continuing our Rights Respecting Journey to Gold!”
