Following on from the training delivered by Mr Cross via the Lindens Teaching School Alliance and SEND Experience Days for Initial Teacher Training through the Evolve Teaching Alliance on “Developing a Child Centred School”, he was invited to be a guest speaker alongside Sir John Jones, http://sirjohnjones.com/, at Lindens Teaching School Alliances official launch conference at Walsall Football Stadium (October 2015) and the Walsall NAHT AGM (December 2015). This was a fantastic opportunity to share Elmwood’s take on developing a child centred school that encompassed the United Nations Rights of the Child at the heart of policy and practice whilst remaining true to its vision statement. Click here to link to Prezi Campaign.
At Elmwood we adopt a Rights and Responsibilities model to the British values which are underpinned by IDENTITY and POSITIVE VOICES BEING HEARD these are demonstrated in the table below what we expect from all within the Elmwood Learning Community and see demonstrated throughout our practice.
| UNCRC Article(s) | Rights | Responsibilities |
| Article 2: (non-discrimination) The Convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background. | Mutual respect | To combat discrimination |
| Article 14: (freedom of thought, belief and religion) Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up. | Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs | To accept different peoples faiths and beliefs |
| Article 12: (respect for the views of the child) Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life. | Individual liberty | To have a voice |
| Article 28: (right to education) Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free and different forms of secondary education must be available to every child. Discipline in schools must respect children’s dignity and their rights. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this. Article 29: (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment. |
The rule of law | To support pupils how to argue and defend their points |
| Article 13: (freedom of expression) Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law | The democratic process | To understand how citizens can influence decision making |
https://www.unicef.org.uk/what-we-do/un-convention-child-rights/
During their journey all pupils participate in 9 specialist sessions focusing on the UNCRC and that with these rights comes responsibilities.