Rights Respecting Schools
Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award
In January 2025 we were awarded the Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award.
The Gold award is awarded to schools who have adopted a child rights approach which is fully embedded in school policy, practice, and culture.
This means that at ECS
- Children, young people and adults have a thorough understanding of rights and rights respecting attitudes, and language are embedded across the school
- Participation in the award has had a positive impact on children and young people's learning and well-being
- Students see themselves as rights respecting global citizens and are advocates for social justice, fairness, and children's rights at home and abroad.
During our Gold accreditation visit two assessors from Unicef Rights Respecting Schools team, toured our school, visited lessons and spoke to Parents and Carers, Governors, Staff and over two hundred children.
Strengths of our school identified in our Gold report include
- An exceptionally strong sense of community. Pupils, staff, governors and parents all spoke about the feeling of belonging and pride being part of the Eastbury Community
- A school with inclusion at its heart, where pupils feel safe and secure and are articulate about the importance of knowing about children's rights, the difference this makes to their lives and their desire and determination to help realise these rights for others
- The principles of dignity and respect underpin the work of the school.
- Strong commitment to pupil participation. There are several different mechanisms for children to feed into decision making and leadership in different areas of school life. Children felt listened to, that their views matter and that they could make a positive difference.
- A focus on access to a broad and balanced curriculum linked to Article 29, ensuring that every child has access to a wide range of experiences both within the curriculum and through the wider curriculum that enable them to be the best they can
Rights Respecting Schools Report
Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award
In February 2024 Eastbury Community School was awarded The Rights Respecting Schools Silver Award.
The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children, and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Silver is given to schools that make excellent progress towards embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its ethos and curriculum.
Staff and students from all three phases of ECS - Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form were involved in the accreditation visit where they spoke about the work done in school to learn about right, through rights and for rights.
Students explained how they learn about rights throughout the curriculum, in tutor times and assemblies and why this is important – ‘if people don’t know about rights, how are they meant to respect them?’
They spoke proudly of the opportunities they have in school to demonstrate their rights through the range of student voice and leadership groups including School Council, Peer Mediators, and Mental Health Ambassadors.
The Rights Respecting Schools Assessor particularly commended us on the work done to keep our students safe, from work in the curriculum to access to support in school. The strength of student voice and its impact on decision-making throughout the school was recognised alongside the wide range of opportunities students have, to develop their skills as active global citizens.
‘Achieving the Silver RSS award reflects the importance we as a school community place on encouraging all our pupils to reflect on their place in the world, and how they can and do make a difference. The world is an ever-changing landscape, in order to prepare all our young people for the unknowns of the future, we have to give them the skills to articulate their views, to understand the rights they have and how they need to protect them, not only for themselves, but for others as well. This is another example of how the staff, pupils, governors and parents are a constant source of inspiration to me, and I am so proud ECS has achieved Silver, keeping children and their rights at the heart of a school. Many thanks to the staff, pupils and governors for their incredible hard work and dedication.'
Ms Sharon Gladman- Executive Headteacher
What Being a RRS Means to Eastbury Community School
what being a rights respecting school means to eastbury comm.pdf
School Council Members Shine at UNICEF RRSA Event
Barking Town Hall, December 2026
We are incredibly proud of the seven members of our School Council who represented our school at the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) Event held at Barking Town Hall. This special gathering brought together pupils from across Barking and Dagenham to celebrate and share the fantastic Rights Respecting work taking place in local schools.
Our children confidently presented their projects to other school councils, showing great teamwork, passion, and maturity. It was a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved.
During the visit, the pupils had the unique opportunity to sit in the Mayor’s Chambers, use the official microphones, and take their places where important decisions for the borough are made. They also enjoyed taking part in quizzes and collaborative activities.
One of the highlights of the day was working with pupils from other schools to create a Children’s Charter for the Town Hall—a set of principles designed to ensure councillors actively listen to and respect the views of young people.
We are delighted with how well our School Council represented us and look forward to seeing the positive impact of their learning within our school community.
Article of the Month
ECS Article of the Month - OCTOBER
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.
Article 12 at ECS
Respect for students' views is shown in all aspects of school life
School Council and Student Voice Activities
Over 120 school council representatives meet weekly in the secondary school to share the views of peers on school matters. School Council meets regularly with the Senior Leadership Team and Governors and their views inform decision making processes. See the school website for more information
Reflecting on learning and setting next steps
Throughout the curriculum students participate in evaluation activities to review learning and set next steps with teachers.
Supporting student well-being
Opportunities are provided through the Pastoral System, Safeguarding Team, Inclusion, Youth workers and Mentors, and Student Leadership roles such as Peer mediators and Prefects for students to talk about their well-being.
How can you support your child to understand and demonstrate Article 12.
- Talk to your child about how they are feeling.
- Have a conversation about the news and current affairs
ECS Article of the Month - NOVEMBER
Article 2 - No Discrimination
All children have all these rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what language they speak, what their religion is, what they think, what they look like, if they are a boy or girl, if they have a disability, if they are rich or poor, and no matter who their parents or families are or what their parents or families believe or do. No child should be treated unfairly for any reason.
Assemblies and tutor times
Each week students come together in their year groups for assemblies to discuss matters which are important to their age and stage, the school community and national focus events. In assemblies and follow-up activities the schools commitment to Equalities and challenging discrimination is a regular theme with year group marking events such as Anti-bullying Week, Black History Month, International Women’s Day and many more.
Anti-bullying Policy and Practice
The school's anti-bullying policy is regularly reviewed with the school council often being asked for their views. Challenging discrimination is a theme which is weaved through the school's PSHE Education programme with students exploring the impact prejudice and discrimination can haveon individuals and communities and identifying sources of support
Supporting student well-being
Opportunities are provided through the Pastoral System, Safeguarding Team, Inclusion, Youth workers and Mentors, School Council and Student Leadership roles such as Peer mediators and Prefects for students to talk about their rights and well-being.
How can you support your child to understand and demonstrate Article 2.
- Talk to your child about respect and dignity.
- Discuss with your child who they should talk to in school if they feel something is unfair
- Talk about why equality is important at school, in your community and in the workplace.
ECS Article of the Month – DECEMBER
Article 42 – Everyone Should know their rights
Governments should actively tell children and adults about this Convention so that everyone knows about children’s rights.
Display around school
Students at ECS are aware of the articles from the United Nations Convention on rights of a child. The Icons for articles are displayed around school in corridors and classrooms. Discussions in assemblies and tutor times are linked to the articles from the United Nations Convention of Rights of a Child.
Rights in the curriculum
In the curriculum students are given the opportunity to link learning in lessons to their rights deepening their understanding of why we learn things and how they can help us in the future. Many subjects including RE, History, Geography PSHE and English will have lessons with a significant focus on Human Rights.
Supporting student well-being
Opportunities are provided through the Pastoral System, Safeguarding Team, Inclusion, Youth workers and Mentors, School Council and Student Leadership roles such as Peer mediators and Prefects for students to talk about their rights and well-being.
How can you support your child to understand and demonstrate Article 2.
- Ask your child about the human rights which they think are important
- Discuss with your child human rights issues in the news and why it is important to understand our human rights.
- Discuss with your child ways in which people can raise awareness of and promote human rights.
ECS Article of the Month – JANUARY
Article 28 – A right to access education
It is the right of every child to have access to education. Primary education is compulsory and available and free to all.
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Article 28 at ECS
School Council and Student Voice Activities
24 school council representatives meet fortnightly in the primary school to share the views of peers on school matters. Each class then holds a Class Council so that they can report back to their peers and share ideas which may then be brought back to our School Council meeting the following week.
How is this conveyed to pupils?
By integrating children’s rights education into its curriculum, staff ensure all students learn about their rights and responsibilities. This can include age-appropriate lessons on the Convention, assemblies, and activities that promote understanding and respect for children’s rights. We have a display in our Ks2 corridor which details all the rights for children to refer to. This helps to reinforce awareness across the school.
Supporting student well-being
Opportunities are provided through the PSHE curriculum, Safeguarding Team, Inclusion, Mental Health Ambassadors and Student Leadership roles for students to talk about their well-being.
ECS Article of the Month – FEBRUARY
Article 17 - Access to informationChildren have a right to information from a diversity of digital media sources.
'I have the right to get information in lots of ways, as long as it’s safe.'
This Article applies to all kinds of media, including:
- print media― such as newspapers or magazines,
- electronic media― such as websites, and
- audiovisual media― such as radio and television programmes.
What does this mean?
Information from the media should form part of a child's education. Because of this, it should help them learn about:
respect for human rights and freedoms,
respect for their parents, cultural identity and language,
respect for the values of where they live, where they’re from and the other countries of the world
respect for the natural environment, and preparation for a responsible life where they treat other people with tolerance.
The media should also provide young people with information about their health. It should show young people in a positive light, bringing attention to the good things that young people do and taking care to show people who might be marginalised – such as women and those with disabilities – in a way that is not degrading.
Everyone should have access to the media
Article 17 applies to all young people, and special efforts should be made to make sure everyone has access to the media. This includes: young people whose freedoms are limited, young people who may find the media difficult to access, such as some of those with disabilities or for whom English is not their first language.
To help young people who may find the media difficult to access, media should be translated into multiple languages where this is possible. Media should also be available in formats that are possible for young people with disabilities to access
ECS Article of the Month – MARCH
Article 24 – is about a child's right to good health.Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, and a clean environment and education on health and well-being so that children can stay healthy.
Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.
How can we help our children to be healthy?
- Ensure we get enough sleep – at least 8 hours
- Eat nutritious food – lots of fruit and vegetables
- Drink water – at least 1 litre a day
- Have good hygiene – wash your body daily & wash your hands every time you visit the toilet
- Exercise regularly
- Live in a clean environment
- Live where you feel safe, secure and respected
- Have good health care - See a doctor or a nurse when you need to and to be vaccinated against diseases
Rights Respecting Silver Award
ECS RRSA Report - February 2025ECS RRSA Silver Report - February 2024
Primary 2024-2025
The primary children have been focused on ensuring their rights are prevalent in everything they do. This year, on World Children's Day, all children recognised the day by taking part in an activity to decide on the rights they put into practice every single day. Children decided where to post the icons around their classroom and discussed why they were so important.
It was lovely to see our Rights reflected in our Christmas tree decorations this year... They caused quite a discussion!
Assemblies
All our school assemblies link in some way to our Rights Respecting curriculum, whether they be on specific articles or on subjects such as British Values, Dignity, Anti-bullying, e-safety, special days and the many other topics we cover.
Recently, our school councillors led an assembly about article 28 and our right to access education. They started with a fun game to see if by looking at some images whether the children could decide which right it was focusing on. Children had some excellent responses and were very clear with reasons why it was article 28.
We then had a discussion about why education is so important and how this might differ around the globe. It was great to hear children sharing the knowledge and experiences they had.
Children across the school were then set homework around why their education is important - there were some fantastic pieces sent in.
Rights Respecting Gold 2025-2026
Our school is proud to be a Gold Rights Respecting School, and our activities throughout the year show how we put the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into practice every day.
In September 2025, tutor groups elected their school council representatives, giving every student a say in school life and showing Article 12 in action (the right to be heard) and Article 15 (the right to join groups). The council’s 120 members meet weekly with staff and visitors to help shape decisions and share information, reflecting Article 13 (the right to share ideas). Our Helping Hands group created hygiene packs for families in need, supporting Article 24 (the right to the best possible health) and Article 27 (the right to an adequate standard of living). Our annual awards event celebrated students’ achievements and contributions, reflecting Article 29 (education should develop each child’s talents and abilities) and Article 2 (every child has the same rights and should be treated fairly).
In October 2025, Year 9 took part in Transport for London workshops on staying safe on public transport and understanding sexual harassment, supporting Article 19 (protection from violence and harm), Article 34 (protection from sexual abuse) and Article 17 (access to information that keeps children safe). Assemblies and tutor time also focused on Black History Month, promoting respect, equality and diversity in line with Article 2 (no discrimination) and Article 29 (education should promote understanding and respect for all people and cultures). Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 completed a national survey on drugs, alcohol and tobacco, helping shape future services and demonstrating Article 12 (young people’s voices must be listened to) and Article 24 (the right to good health and health information). Helping Hands and school council members led a workshop for Camden schools on what it means to be a Rights Respecting School; by sharing what a Gold Rights Respecting School looks, sounds and feels like, they promoted Article 12, Article 13 and Article 42 (everyone should know about the UNCRC).
In November 2025, our community marked Anti‑Bullying Week with student‑led assemblies and tutor activities on the theme “Power for Good”, reminding everyone to challenge bullying and be active bystanders in line with Article 19 (protection from all forms of violence) and Article 29 (education should promote respect for others). Staff nominated by the school council for promoting respectful relationships received certificates in assembly, showing Article 3 (adults must act in children’s best interests) and Article 28 (the right to learn in a safe, respectful environment). The school council launched the “Dignity Challenge” with an information stall, encouraging everyone to treat others with dignity, reflecting Article 2 (no discrimination) and Article 29 (education should foster respect and inclusion). The school also marked Parliament Week through assemblies and tutor time activities, helping students understand democracy and their role in public life, which supports Article 12 (having a say in decisions) and Article 15 (the right to join groups and take part in civic life). All Year 10 students attended a workshop on challenging sexual harassment and healthy relationships, supporting Article 19, Article 24 and Article 34, while student‑led sessions on violence against women and children for White Ribbon Day put Article 12 and Article 36 (protection from all forms of exploitation) into practice.
In December 2025, school council representatives hosted the Primary Rights Respecting School celebration at Barking Town Hall. By sharing Eastbury’s rights‑respecting work and celebrating twelve local primaries, they helped fulfil Article 42 (everyone should learn about children’s rights). School council representatives also formed a student panel as part of the interviews for our new Executive Headteacher, ensuring students’ views were heard in a key decision for the school and putting Article 12 into action. Year 12 students took part in the First Give project, raising awareness and funds for local charities, which supports Article 27 (the right to an adequate standard of living) and Article 29 (education should encourage students to act with respect and responsibility in their communities). Students also stood for election to the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum, wrote manifestos, shared them in tutor time and took part in an online vote, showing Article 12 (taking part in decisions that affect them) and Article 15 (the right to join groups and take part in public life). ECS partnered with Kindness Offensive and the Local Authority to become a local hub for distributing gifts to families in need. Article 3 ( Best interests of the child)
In January 2026, members of the school council met Professor Carol Robinson to talk about inclusion and belonging at Eastbury as part of research on Rights Respecting Schools, reflecting Article 2 (every child should be included, without discrimination) and Article 3 (adults must act in children’s best interests). Eastbury was also awarded the Healthy Schools Gold Award for sustained work on healthy and unhealthy relationships and protecting students from sexual harassment and harmful sexual behaviour, recognising our commitment to Article 24 (the right to health) and Article 34 (protection from sexual exploitation and abuse). All Year 11 students had one‑to‑one interviews with senior leaders to discuss their post‑16 options and next steps in education and employment, supporting Article 28 (the right to education) and Article 29 (education should help prepare children for their future).
In February 2026, tutor time and assemblies marked Safer Internet Day, focusing on staying safe and respectful online. These activities supported Article 17 (access to safe and reliable information) and Article 16 (the right to privacy and protection from online harm), helping students to use the internet responsibly while respecting their own and others’ rights. Students also took part in food‑tasting sessions to help choose the school’s new catering company; by sharing their views on school meals, they helped influence decisions that affect their daily lives, in line with Article 12 and Article 24 (the right to good nutrition as part of health).
In March 2026, tutor activities marked International Women’s Day, exploring gender equality and respect in line with Article 2 (no discrimination) and Article 29 (education should promote equality and human rights). British Sign Language was celebrated with stalls in Mainstreet, assemblies and tutor time activities Article 23 (equality for those with disabilities). The school celebrated World Book Day, promoting reading for pleasure and reflecting Article 28 (the right to education) and Article 31 (the right to take part in cultural and leisure activities). Year 10 students took part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, developing confidence to share their views and demonstrating Article 12 and Article 13 (the right to express views and share ideas). Students also chose Jack Petchey Award winners for their positive contribution, achievement and talents, recognising Article 29 and Article 31 by valuing every child’s abilities, interests and participation in school life. Eastbury also hosted an Iftar for members of the school council, with activities organised by the sixth form, which supported Article 14 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) and Article 15 by bringing students together in a spirit of respect and community.
Secondary 2024-2025
May 2025
In May our KS3 Enterprise group participated and won Barking and Dagenhams Social Enterprise Dragons Den. The group which consists of students from Y7-9 have been working all year on their social enterprise to tackle hygiene poverty in Barking and Dagenham. At the event judges praised the group the groups pitch on the way they linked their work to the Rights of a Child and how passionately they spoke about the impact this has on young people and their families.
'I loved that you presented the context of the Human Rights, you linked that to data in your borough. As a dragon. I really understood the logic of your identified problem and proposed solution.' Comments from one of the Dragons
The group were awarded first place and funding to continue their social enterprise, making hygiene packs for member of our community most in need.
April 2025
In April Y12 students participated in the 2025 Young People’s Omnibus Survey. This is an annual survey of young people views on a range of health and well-being issues, Commissioned by a range of organisations, including the NHS, the findings of these anonymized surveys are used to ensure decision makers are informed about the views of young people.
Our ECS representatives on the Barking and Dagenham Youth Forum have continued to keep us up to date with their work across the Local Authority. In May ECS reps held a bake sale in school to raise funds for the Young Mayors Charity – The Richard House Hospice. Congratulations on raising over £70.
February 2025
In February 2025 all Year 7 and 8 students participated in workshops with Diversity Role Models on the importance of challenging prejudice and discrimination. Students explored the importance of celebrating diversity and the importance of inclusion.
Students welcomed the opportunity to discuss the impact discrimination can have on people and the importance of equality and respect. Students and staff felt the role models stories were very powerful and reinforced the importance of Article 2 No Discrimination.
Year 9 students had the opportunity to learn about sexual harassment through a Theatre in Education opportunity delivered by Arc Theatre company in March. This interactive performance students explored what sexual harassment is, the impact it can have for individuals and relationships and the legal consequences.
January 2025
January 2025 we were awarded the Rights Respecting Gold award in recognition of our whole school approach to teaching about, through and for rights. Two assessors from UNICEFs Rights Respecting Schools Team spent a day at ECS speaking to staff, parents, carers, governors and over two hundred students about our Rights Respecting approach. Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.
December 2024
In December Year 12 completed their First Give presentations. Every year all Year 12 students at ECS participate in the First Give project which aims to inspire young people to make a positive change in society. Students work in groups to raise awareness and funds to support a charity of their choosing while developing important personal, social and leadership skills. This year the following charities benefited from the commitment and team efforts of our Year 12, the Red Cross, Hope family, Future Youth Zones, Your place, The Ben Kinsella Trust and the Welcome Project.
Rights Respecting Schools
The Secondary School Council have been raising awareness of Rights of a Child by promoting a range of national focus events important to them.
In October, assemblies and tutor time activities for all year groups focused on World Mental Health Day and with students participating in activities to understand the importance of good mental health and Article 24. School Council reps organised a stall in Mainstreet during breaks sharing tips on how to promote good mental health and where to access further support.
In November, School Council led assemblies for Anti- Bullying Week raising awareness of Article 2. Congratulations to the students participating who spoke passionately on the theme of ‘Choose Respect’ and the importance of respect and dignity, our two new ECS Character attributes. Students organised activities in MainStreet to raise awareness of the importance of respect in our school community and beyond. Work on this theme and article is continuing in Y7 PSHE lessons where students are exploring the importance of positive relationships and respecting the rights of others.
November 20th is World Children’s Day a day to celebrate the rights of a child. This year also coincides with Parliament Week and Ms Ward met with both School Councils to discuss how ECS promotes and protects the Rights of a Child and work towards the Global Goals of for Sustainable Development.
School Council representatives spoke about the work the school is currently doing to contribute to sustainable communities through the schools Eco Council composting project and the schools use of solar panels. Reps also felt there were improvements in recycling in school and hope to build on this more.
This term we also began the nomination process for students to joint the Barking and Dagenham (BADYF) Youth Forum demonstrating our commitment to Article 12. All students aged thirteen and above are able to nominate themselves to be part of the BADYF. Being a member of this group gives students the opportunity to meet with young people and the decision makers in the borough to ensure young peoples views are heard in shaping the future of Barking and Dagenham. Thank you to our current Forum members for all you have done this year and we’re looking forward to see who our new reps will be.
White Ribbon Day - 25 November 2024
The 25th November is White Ribbon day, a day to raise awareness of the importance of challenging the exploitation of women and children. Well done to the school council reps who gave up their time to raise awareness of this issue and Article 36 and 19
