Children's Rights

Malpas Court Primary School is passionate about ensuring that our pupils are fully aware of their rights, according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child?

Children and young people have 42 rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. (UNCRC)

These 42 rights give children and young people what they need to grow up happily, healthily and safely.

What makes the UNCRC so special?

It explains how adults and the government must work together to make sure that all children can enjoy their rights.

Every child has rights, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, ability or other statuses.

The convention must be seen as a whole: all of the rights are linked and no right is more important than another. For example; the right to relax and play (Article 31) and the right to freedom of expression (Article 13) have equal importantce as the right to be safe from harm (Article 19).

How is Malpas Court Primary School becoming a Rights Respecting School?

• At Malpas Court we will always have the best interest of the pupils in all of our actions and decisions. We as adults are committed to placing the values and principles of the convention at the heart of all of our policies and practices.
• We strongly believe that every child has the right to say what they think in all matters that affect them, and to have their views taken seriously.
• Malpas Court will strive to empower all children to become ethical, informed citizens and learners.

Whilst we learn about all 42 rights, at Malpas Court we have 10 core rights which we view to be at the heart of our school ethos.

1. Article 28: we have the right to learn
2. Article 12: we have the right to be listened to
3. Article 19: we have the right to be safe
4. Article 14: we have the right to practice our own religion, as long as it does not stop other people from enjoying their own rights.
5. Article 29: we have the right to be the best we can be
6. Article 13: we have the right to be heard
7. Article 7: we have the right to a name and nationality
8. Article 31: we have the right to relax and play
9. Article 24: we have the right to clean water, nutritious food, a clean environment and good healthcare when needed
10. Article 16: we have the right to privacy

Rupert is our Rights Respecting mascot and can be seen all around the school. He helps us to learn about our rights and he makes sure that we are getting them.