At St Michael’s, we are proud to be a Rights Respecting School. This means we follow the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)—a global agreement that protects the rights of every child, everywhere. These rights ensure that all children are kept safe, treated fairly, listened to, and given the best possible opportunities to learn and grow.
The UNCRC is an international treaty signed by 196 countries, including the UK. It sets out 54 articles that describe what all children need to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. These rights apply to every child, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance.
At St Michael’s, we believe children should understand their rights so they can:
Feel safe, valued, and respected
Develop confidence and independence
Learn how to treat others with kindness and fairness
Take an active role in school life and decision‑making
Recognise when their rights—and the rights of others—are not being upheld
Teaching children about their rights helps them reach their full potential and supports a positive, respectful school culture.
While all 54 rights are important, here are some of the key articles most relevant to daily school life:
| Article | Right | Why It Matters in School |
|---|---|---|
| Article 12 | Right to be heard | Pupils share opinions, take part in pupil voice, and help shape school decisions. |
| Article 28 | Right to education | Every child receives high‑quality teaching and support to learn and succeed. |
| Article 29 | Right to be the best you can be | We nurture children’s talents, wellbeing, and personal development. |
| Article 19 | Right to be safe | Safeguarding, behaviour policies, and trusted adults protect every child. |
| Article 24 | Right to health | We promote healthy lifestyles, emotional wellbeing, and access to support. |
| Article 31 | Right to play and relax | Children enjoy playtimes, clubs, sports, and creative activities. |
These rights help guide our policies, teaching, and relationships across the whole school community.
By embedding the UNCRC into everyday school life, we ensure that St Michael’s is a place where children feel empowered, respected, and ready to thrive. Our pupils learn not only about their own rights, but also the importance of respecting the rights of others—helping them grow into compassionate, responsible global citizens.