Our Journey to Gold, UNCRC Rights at Buckstone

Right’s Respecting GOLD Award

We are delighted to share that Buckstone Primary School has achieved the Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award from UNICEF UK. This award is the highest recognition a school can receive, and it reflects the passion, commitment, and teamwork of our whole school community, in particular, Our Pupil led Equalities Group who have driven our work towards the award.

At Buckstone, children’s rights are at the heart of everything we do. Our pupils don’t just learn about their rights — they live them every day through their learning, decision-making, and leadership. Some of the highlights on our journey to Gold include our neuro-inclusion project, which raised awareness and acceptance of our neuro-diverse learners, the creation of our anti-bullying guidance, shaped by feedback from every single class and our article of the week videos which share our learning to parents and carers via our website. We are especially proud of pupil-led events such as our   Rights Protest raising awareness of Article 42- everyone should know about children’s rights and our Fun 31 afternoons, celebrating Article 31 – the right to play.

The UNICEF report praised the strength of our approach, noting that rights are “incorporated into daily planning and interactions that take place” and that SLT and the Rights Lead have a “strategic approach to embed a rights approach, putting it at the core of the school’s ethos”.

We are so proud of this achievement and excited to continue our journey as a Gold Rights Respecting School.

Article of the Week

P5B Articles 37 & 40

Articles 37 and 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) protect the rights of children in the justice system. Article 37 ensures that children are never subjected to torture or cruel treatment and are only detained as a last resort, for the shortest time possible, and always treated with dignity and respect. Article 40 focuses on giving children accused of breaking the law the right to fair treatment. It says children should be helped to understand what’s happening, have access to legal support, and be treated in a way that respects their age, rights, and potential to make positive changes. These rights aim to protect children and give them the chance to grow, learn, and move forward in a supportive environment.

Article of the Week

P2B Article 15

In P2D, we explored Article 15 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which says that children have the right to meet with friends and join groups or clubs, as long as it’s safe and respectful of others. We made a video to help explain how this right gives children a voice and helps them feel part of their communities. Our class talked about how being part of a group can build confidence, friendships, and teamwork. We believe it’s important that all children have the chance to connect with others and be included.

Article of the Week

P1R Article 23

In P1R, we learned about Article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which says that children with disabilities have the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and independence. They should receive the support they need to take part in education and community life. We created a video to help explain how this article helps make sure all children, no matter their abilities, are included and given the same opportunities as everyone else. Our class talked about how important it is to be understanding, inclusive, and to celebrate everyone’s strengths.

Article of the Week

P2D Article 9

In P2D, we explored Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which says that children have the right to live with their parents unless it is not safe for them. If children are separated from one or both parents, they have the right to stay in contact with them, as long as it’s in their best interests. We created a video to help explain this right and why it’s important for children to feel loved, supported, and connected to their families. Our class discussed how families can look different, but every child deserves to feel safe and cared for.

Article of the Week

P7Y Article 34

In P7Y, we learned about Article 34 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which protects children from all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation. We created a video to help explain why this right is so important and how it ensures that children are kept safe, respected, and protected. We talked about the importance of speaking up, trusted adults, and how everyone in the community has a role in keeping children safe. Our class feels strongly that every child should grow up feeling secure and cared for, and we hope our video helps raise awareness of this vital right.

Article of the Week

P4S Article 7

In P4S, we explored Article 7 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which says that every child has the right to a name, a nationality, and to know and be cared for by their parents. We made a video to explain how these rights help shape a child’s identity and give them a sense of belonging. We learned that having a name and nationality is not just about legal documents—it’s about being recognised and valued. Our class enjoyed learning how this article helps protect children’s identities and connects them to their families and communities.

Article of the Week

P6F Article 30

In P6F, we learned about Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which says that every child has the right to enjoy their own culture, practice their own religion, and use their own language—especially if they belong to a minority or Indigenous group. We created a video to help explain why this right is so important and how it helps children feel proud of who they are. Our class talked about how celebrating different cultures makes our communities stronger, and we hope our video encourages everyone to respect and value each other’s backgrounds.

Article of the Week

P6R Article of the Week – Article 4

In P6R, we recently explored Article 4 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which emphasizes that governments must take all appropriate measures to implement children’s rights. This includes aligning national laws with UNCRC standards, prioritizing children’s needs in budgets, and collaborating with organizations to execute child-centered strategies. Our class created a video to explain how this article ensures that children’s rights are not just promises but are actively protected and fulfilled by governments. We hope our video helps others understand the importance of Article 4 in safeguarding children’s rights worldwide.