New funding for Scottish schools to support them to learn about children’s rights

Date: 9th June 2022
Category: Education, including vocational education

child looking at a globe

Scottish Government has announced funding to enable UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools programme to be delivered to 2,400 primary and secondary state schools across Scotland. This funding will last for three years and will work to embed children’s rights into schools’ ethos and further their understanding.

Evidence gathered by UNICEF UK shows the positive impact on creating a culture of respect across the school community where children’s voices are heard and valued. A total of 90% of headteachers in Rights Respecting Schools reported a noticeable or significant impact on pupils developing positive relationships and 89% reported a noticeable or significant impact on reducing bullying or exclusions.

Currently, 57% of Scottish schools are engaged with the programme and 563 have achieved the Silver or Gold stage of the Award where the impact of the Rights Respecting School Award is visibly recognised.

The grant from the Scottish Government will allow schools to register for the Award and access all training, accreditations and support for free until March 2025.  

Read more about the Rights Respecting School Awards here.