School recognised for work on children's rights

A Wolverhampton school is celebrating after being recognised again by UNICEF for its work around children's rights and respect.

Uplands Junior School has been given a gold award in UNICEF UK's Rights Respecting School programme, the city council said.

It was praised for its "very articulate" pupils who demonstrated a good knowledge and understanding of rights which were also embedded across the school "and underpin every facet of school life".

The school is one of only about 600 across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to have achieved the gold standard, the council said.

Headteacher Suzanne Webster-Smith said: "We have been working with UNICEF for a number of years now, and we are delighted that we have sustained our gold assessment, which reflects the emphasis on rights and respect that underpins everything we do at Uplands."

Councillor Jacqui Coogan said the school had worked hard to retain the award.

"They are required to implement three evidence-based strands that cover the leadership of the school, knowledge and understanding of children's rights, ethos and relationships, and the empowerment of children and young people.

"Uplands Junior School has worked hard to retain this accreditation and, on behalf on the council, I'd like to congratulate all the pupils and staff on this wonderful achievement."

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