Ross High awarded Rights Respecting School status
Ross High School in Tranent has become the first secondary school in East Lothian to be awarded a level 2 Rights Respecting School award by UNICEF UK.
The school has been awarded the highest level of award, which recognises achievement in fully embedding the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into the school’s policies, practice and ethos. The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting School award supports schools to develop positive relationships, develop a shared vision and improve behaviour and engagement in learning.
The school first registered to become Rights Respecting in May 2013 and first achieved Level 1 in June 2015. This latest award follows an assessment visit by UNICEF UK to meet with young people and staff, prior to which the school had completed a comprehensive self-assessment report and impact evaluation.
UNICEF UK’s report noted several key strengths including:
- A strong strategic direction that is fully committed to the Rights Respecting School Award
- Very positive respectful relationships throughout the school
- Pupil Voice is a strength of the school and continues to be nurtured and encouraged
Shamin Akhtar, Cabinet spokesperson for Education and Children’s Services, added: “This award is fantastic news. It takes a number of years to achieve the highest level of award, and congratulations go to everyone at Ross High for their hard work over recent years to achieve this status. When children and young people understand their rights, they know how other people should be treated. They become happier, healthier and more confident, and more engaged in their learning. All of this has a lasting positive impact on the wider community. I hope other schools are inspired and encouraged by Ross High’s success.”
Read the full story on the council website.