Staff and children are celebrating at Apple Tree Nursery, Rothesay as they become the first nursery in 撸sir视频 and Bute, and only the third in Scotland, to receive a prestigious Gold from UNICEF UK鈥檚 Rights Respecting School programme.
Rights Respecting Schools Awards (RRSA) are granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children鈥檚 rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Gold is the highest accolade and demonstrates a deep and thorough commitment to children鈥檚 rights at all levels of school life.
Apple Tree Nursery has worked with UNICEF UK from March 2020 and received Silver in 2022. To mark their GOLD achievement, the Nursery will hold a special even in the summer.
Councillor Audrey Forrest, Policy Lead for Education, 撸sir视频 and Bute Council:
鈥淩eceiving the GOLD award is a huge achievement for Apple Tree Nursery. Congratulations to the children, staff and families who have worked so hard. To become the first nursery in 撸sir视频 and Bute to achieve gold, and only the third in Scotland is simply fantastic. I鈥檓 really proud of everyone involved who made this happen.
With this latest achievement along with every single one of our schools working towards their bronze, silver and gold RRSA, we are working to become the first Rights Respecting Education Service in Scotland. As a council we will continue to put the UK Convention Rights of the Child at the heart of everything we do.鈥
Head of Centre Lesley-Anne Roberts said:
鈥榃e are incredibly proud and honoured to receive the Gold Award from UNICEF UK, a recognition of the dedication and commitment our Nursery has shown in promoting children鈥檚 rights. This achievement reflects the hard work of our children, staff, parents and especially Stephanie Scott, our Rights Respecting Duty Bearer, whose leadership has been essential in ensuring that children鈥檚 rights are at the core of everything we do.
The positive impact of the RRSA Co-ordinator (RRSA) is clear 鈥 it has enriched the learning experience for our children and created an atmosphere of respect, empathy, and equality. By putting children鈥檚 rights at the heart of our Nursery, we are fostering a community where every child feels heard, valued, and empowered to succeed. A huge thank you to our dedicated children, parents and staff for making this possible 鈥 together, we are making a meaningful difference!"
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools is a UK school initiative and includes nurseries. Currently, it works with nearly 5,000 primary schools, secondary schools, schools for children and young people with special educational needs and pupil referral units across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Schools have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships and wellbeing by enhancing pupils鈥 self-esteem, leading to improved wellbeing, learning and academic standards.