A school is celebrating progress on its journey to becoming a fully accredited Rights Respecting School.
Telscombe Cliffs Academy has been awarded the Silver Rights Respecting Award by Unicef UK, recognising its commitment to placing children’s rights at the heart of school life.
The award is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and celebrates schools that embed these principles into their culture.
Peter Ediss, headteacher at Telscombe Cliffs Academy, said: "We are delighted to have achieved UNICEF UK's Silver Rights Respecting Schools Award.
"We have seen first-hand the positive impact this work has had on our school community, helping children develop confidence, empathy and a strong sense of belonging.
"We are incredibly proud of how our pupils have embraced the programme and we look forward to continuing our journey towards Gold accreditation."
Unicef assessors praised both pupils and staff for their enthusiasm in promoting a rights-respecting environment, describing the school as having made "excellent progress" and highlighting the positive impact the programme is having across the school community.
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One pupil told assessors: "My favourite bit about rights is that they apply to all children, no matter whether they have a disability or not."
A school governor also commented on the difference the programme has made.
The governor said: "There is a sense of belonging, that they are part of something. I've noticed a confidence and a cohesion between the children that has been accelerated because of Rights Respecting Schools."
The assessment highlighted the school’s strong focus on pupil voice, with children actively contributing to decisions that shape school life.
The programme was also found to have improved behaviour, relationships and attendance, with pupils increasingly aware of how their actions affect others and feeling more connected to school.
The Rights Respecting Schools Award is part of the wider work of STEP Academy Trust, which includes Telscombe Cliffs Academy and prioritises equality, inclusion and the empowerment of every child.
With the Silver award now in place, the school will continue working towards the Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award.
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