A Motherwell school has been awarded the prestigious Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award by UNICEF UK, recognising its dedication to placing children’s rights at the heart of school life.
At Muirhouse Primary and Nursery Class, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is embedded in all learning and planning. Staff see themselves as ‘Duty Bearers’, ensuring that every child’s rights are upheld.
Through training, staff have grown in confidence when discussing rights with pupils, creating a culture where children understand and value their rights.
Pupil voice is central to the school’s approach, and children play an active role in shaping their education and community.
The school’s journey from Bronze to Gold has been led by Leanne Smith, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that children’s rights are at the heart of school life.
Reflecting on the achievement, the school’s head teacher Katie Jamieson said: “One of the highlights of our journey to being recognised as a Gold Rights Respecting School has been the partnerships that have been forged within our local community.
“Working collaboratively with St Brendan’s Primary School, Clyde Valley High School, local MSPs, and the wider Muirhouse community has given our learners a strong foundation to inspire future, positive change for the local area and beyond.”
The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) pupil group organises assemblies on important topics such as equity, dignity, health, inclusion, and discrimination. Their work helps pupils connect local issues with global challenges, fostering a strong sense of justice and responsibility.
One of the school’s most ambitious projects has been We Are Muirhouse, a collaboration with St Brendan’s Primary School. Pupils identified issues they wanted to address in their local community, focusing on tackling discrimination and improving safety around the school. Their peaceful protest against parking problems and engine idling was well attended and has sparked wider conversations at Parent Council meetings.
Provost Kenneth Duffy praised the school’s achievement, saying: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication of the pupils, staff, and wider school community. Muirhouse Primary has shown real leadership in putting children’s rights at the centre of education, and I congratulate everyone involved.”
Councillor Michael McBride, the council’s Convener of Education, Children and Families, added: “Muirhouse Primary School has set an outstanding example of how schools can empower young people to make a difference. Their work on children’s rights and community action is truly inspiring, and this Gold Award is very well deserved.”
Of course, no celebration is complete without cake, and Oswyn Baxter made sure of that by baking a delicious one to mark the occasion!
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