Bantock Primary School is commited to being a Rights Respecting School, achieving Silver Award.

SUCCEED

We want all pupils to confidently understand what it means to be a Rights Respecting School and to promote children’s rights in the UK and the wider world. We will encourage children to develop their knowledge and understanding using critical thinking and a range of evidence. We intend to evoke a passion for the awareness of injustice in the UK and around the world and how it influences their own lives today.   

HAPPY

We will provide a positive learning environment at Bantock to ensure all children’s rights are understood and respected, where individual children are valued and their achievements celebrated. Pupil’s attitudes are acknowledged and praised which encourages and promotes their confidence, wellbeing and self-esteem. We want all pupils to be healthy and happy, to feel safe, to have better relationships and to become active and involved in school life and the wider world. 

INSPIRE  

We inspire all pupils through our inclusive P4C, PDR, RE and History curriculum which encourages participation and positive relationships by all children. Pupils are motivated by having the opportunity to apply their understanding of children’s rights across a range of

subjects. Children are inspired to gain and deploy a greater understanding of how to raise awareness of injustice in the world.  

NURTURE  

We will develop strong and respectful relationships between pupils and teachers and we highly valued pupil voice, which will support pupils to build their confidence. We will scaffold and provide learning opportunities, whilst celebrating and supporting diversity, adapting a stimulating approach. At Bantock, we will educate children about children’s rights in the UK and in the wider world, which ensures that all pupils are exposed to a range of cultures.   

EDUCATE  

We will treat all pupils as individuals, and we will take a whole school approach to putting children’s rights at the heart of school policy and practice. We will strive towards the best educational outcomes for all pupils and provide a well-rounded curriculum that supports their emerging needs. We will carefully monitor progress from their unique starting points in order to create well-rounded individuals, who will one day contribute to society.   

What is the Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA)?

The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) is an award given by UNICEF to a school for recognising the ‘rights’ of a child. The initiative started in 2006 and is based on the principles of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. The RRSA puts children’s rights at the heart of schools in the UK. UNICEF works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. UNICEF’s RRSA embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.

What is UNICEF?

UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential.

UNICEF UK is a registered charity. It raises funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and campaigns to keep children safe. UNICEF UK also works with schools, hospitals and local authorities in the UK to put children at the heart of what they do.

What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)?

The Convention has 54 articles that cover all aspects of a child’s life and set out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The convention is universal—these rights apply to every child and the convention entitles every child to claim them. It also explains how adults and governments must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights.

What are rights holders and duty bearers?

All children hold a specific set of rights outlined in the UNCRC therefore, they are rights holders. Duty-bearers are individuals who have a particular obligation or responsibility to respect, promote and realise human rights and to abstain from human rights violations. With regards to the UNCRC, all adults are duty bearers, such as teachers, parents, carers, the police, social workers and the government. It is their responsibility to make children aware of their rights and to act if their rights are not being met.

Rights Respecting Ambassadors Club

In the Rights Respecting Ambassador Club, led by Mrs Penn, a group of pupils who act as representatives of their classmates discuss school issues. Every week, they meet to voice their opinions and views about Bantock and how our school can be further improved. Through the understanding that they develop about children’s rights, they get involved in making decisions which impact themselves and the school. 

Fundraising

Fairtrade Fortnight

Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual two-week campaign that raises awareness about the benefits of Fairtrade and its impact on farmers and workers in developing countries. It’s a time when we are encouraged to think about the origins of their food and other products and support ethical and sustainable trade. Fairtrade Fortnight highlights the importance of fair prices, decent working conditions, and sustainable farming practices for producers around the world. The campaign aims to show how Fairtrade can help farmers adapt to climate change, build stronger communities, and ensure a sustainable future for their businesses. At Bantock we participate by buying Fairtrade products, spreading awareness about the campaign, and engaging in events and activities organised by Fairtrade organisations and local groups. Fairtrade Fortnight encourages our pupils to

acknowledge conscious consumerism and it empowers them to make ethical choices that support producers and promote a more equitable global trade system.

“I enjoyed taking part and supporting in the Fairtrade Fortnight because we walked to the local Tesco’s to purchase fruits to make healthy fruit salad and fruit smoothies the next day. We helped to prepare and sell the fruit salads and smoothies to the school on Friday 20th September. The smoothies were really popular and sold out quickly! We raised an amazing £370!” – Samuel, 4B

Show Racism the Red Card

On Friday 18th October, Bantock participated in ‘Show Racism The Red Card’ day. At Bantock we promote diversity and equality and throughout the school we are committed in teaching children to be accepting of others. On this day we said loud and proud that Bantock does not discriminate against anyone and does not accept racism. Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. Their aim is to combat racism through enabling role models, who are predominately but not exclusively footballers, to present an anti-racist message to young people and

others. Show Racism the Red Card acknowledges that racism changes, as do the experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in the UK. Bantock raised money for the charity by taking part in Wear Red Day collecting a total of £241.43.

Children in Need

At Bantock Primary School, we believe in the importance of teaching our pupils the values of empathy, kindness, and community spirit. Children in Need is a charity that resonates deeply with us because it supports disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. By participating in fundraising activities, our pupils learn about the challenges faced by others and the impact they can make through their actions. Our Rights Respecting Ambassadors, a group of pupils committed to promoting children’s rights and well-being, took the lead in organising the cake sale. Their enthusiasm and hard work paid off, as the event not only raised funds but also brought our school community together in a spirit of generosity and fun. We are thrilled to share the fantastic news that our recent fundraising efforts for Children in Need was a tremendous success! Thanks to the incredible support and generosity of our school community, we raised an impressive £315.95 through our cake sale, organised by our dedicated Rights Respecting Ambassadors.