UNICEF Rights Respecting School

At Windmill Primary School & Nursery, we are proud to be a Gold-accredited Rights Respecting School, recognised by UNICEF UK, where children's rights are embedded in every aspect of school life.
What Does It
Mean to Be a Gold-accredited Rights Respecting School?
The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice.
A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.
What Rights Respecting Looks Like at Windmill...
At Windmill, rights respecting is not a one-off initiative—it’s woven into the fabric of our school. Here’s what it looks like in action:
- Pupil Voice: Children are encouraged to express their views and take part in decision-making through school councils, surveys, and classroom discussions.
- Respectful Relationships: Staff and pupils model mutual respect, kindness, and fairness. We use restorative approaches to resolve conflict and build understanding.
- Curriculum Connections: Rights are explored across subjects—from learning about global citizenship in geography to discussing fairness and justice in PSHE.
- Global Awareness: Pupils learn about the rights of children around the world and take part in campaigns and fundraising to support others.
- Inclusive Environment: Every child is valued. We celebrate diversity and ensure all pupils feel safe, heard, and supported.
"We are proud to receive UNICEF UK’s Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award. This achievement shows our commitment to putting children’s rights at the heart of school life. It has strengthened our culture, improved wellbeing, and empowered pupils to have a voice. Thank you to our amazing children, staff, and families for making this possible." Nicola Cotter, Headteacher
What It Means for Our Pupils
For our children, being part of a Rights Respecting School means:
Eco-Committee with MP Clive Jones
- They know they have rights—to be safe, to learn, to be heard, and to be treated fairly.
- They feel empowered to speak up, share ideas, and make a difference in their school and wider community.
- They develop empathy and understanding, learning to respect others’ rights and celebrate differences.
- They grow into confident, responsible citizens who care about justice, equality, and sustainability.
Join Us on the Journey
We invite parents, carers, and community members to be part of our Rights Respecting journey. Whether it’s attending events, sharing ideas, or supporting pupil-led campaigns — your voice matters.
Together, we are building a school where every child feels safe, respected, and empowered.


