Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) at Our School
At Wistaston Church Lane Academy, we believe every child has the right to feel safe, valued and heard. That’s why we are proud to be a UNICEF UK Rights Respecting School.
We have already achieved the Bronze: Rights Committed Award, which recognises the strong foundations we have built in placing children’s rights at the heart of our school community. This means that our staff, pupils and families understand the importance of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and we are committed to making these rights a reality for every child, every day.
We are now excited to be working towards the Silver: Rights Aware Award. As we continue this journey, we are strengthening our whole‑school approach by:
- Helping pupils learn about their rights—and the rights of all children around the world.
- Encouraging pupils to use their voice, make positive choices and contribute to school decisions.
- Embedding respect, kindness and fairness into everything we do.
- Building strong, supportive relationships between staff, pupils and families.
By striving for Silver, we aim to create an environment where children not only understand their rights, but actively enjoy them and respect the rights of others. Together, we are nurturing confident, compassionate and responsible young people who can make a positive difference in their community and beyond.
We look forward to sharing our progress as we continue our Rights Respecting journey!
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: What rights do children have?
OuRRSay Squad – You Asked / We Did
OuRRSay Squad meeting minutes
OuRRSay Squad Update – 2nd February 2026
At this week’s OuRRSay Squad meeting, pupils discussed three key agenda items: Summer term clubs, Celebration Assembly, and attendance. Children shared lots of enthusiastic suggestions for clubs—including Pokémon, arts and crafts, jewellery/loom bands, tennis, chess, golf, drama/dance and basketball—and teachers will follow up with class polls to see which are most popular. The Squad also revisited ways to streamline Celebration Assembly, with ideas such as sharing achievements throughout the week and giving out TTRS certificates on Mondays. Finally, pupils contributed to Trust-wide attendance questions, sharing what motivates them to come to school and reflecting on how missing days can make learning harder to catch up on. This work supports CRC Article 12 (the right to be heard) and Article 28 (the right to education).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 27th January 2026
This week, the OuRRSay Squad explored how well pupils understand the British Values. Children showed a strong recall of Democracy, and assemblies will now include regular recap slides to strengthen understanding across all values. Pupils also discussed Summer term clubs, including the possibility of small voluntary contributions for resource‑heavy activities. The Squad shared ideas for streamlining Celebration Assemblies and raised class suggestions such as improving the field, increasing bins and enhancing quiet areas. This work supports CRC Article 29 (aims of education) and Article 15 (freedom of association).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 19th January 2026
This week, the OuRRSay Squad reflected on Kindness Week, noting it had been most successful in Lower KS1 and that Year 5 felt its impact too. They discussed ways for Year 6 to continue building kindness chains and prioritising positive actions. Pupils also explored which CRC articles matter most to them, with strong interest in rights such as education, respect for children’s views and knowing their rights. Finally, the Squad prepared to review how well pupils understand the British Values and will gather feedback from classes. This work supports CRC Article 42 (every child’s right to know their rights) and Article 29 (education should help children develop as responsible, respectful members of society).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 3rd December 2025
This week, the OuRRSay Squad shared class votes for the staff pantomime and passed these on for planning. They were also excited to hear that FRIENDS have donated funds for new playground equipment, which will be ordered ready for the new year. The Squad learned more about the school’s journey toward achieving the RRSA Silver Award and outlined actions such as displaying children’s rights in every classroom and introducing Duty Bearer posters. Pupils also offered creative ideas to promote kindness across school, including kindness days, clubs and posters. This work reflects CRC Article 42 (children’s right to know their rights) and Article 31 (right to play and leisure).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 17th November 2025
This week, the OuRRSay Squad reviewed pupils’ ideas for improving Foundation Day, with children suggesting more interactive activities, science experiments, outdoor learning and fewer worksheets. The group also addressed several comments raised by pupils around bullying. Although incidents are low, the Squad agreed it is important to respond to these concerns and will gather ideas on how to promote kindness across school for next week’s meeting. This work supports CRC Article 19 (the right to be safe from harm) and Article 29 (education should help children develop respect and positive relationships).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 10th November 2025
This week, the OuRRSay Squad shared early responses about children’s favourite subjects, with Art and PE emerging as the most popular. Mrs Watson will explore the reasons behind these choices further and gather more feedback to ensure every child’s view is heard. Pupils also began thinking about ways to improve Foundation Day, which will be the focus of next week’s meeting. This work supports CRC Article 12 (children’s right to express their views) and Article 29 (education should help children develop their talents and interests).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 5th November 2025
This week, the OuRRSay Squad reviewed updates on several pupil requests, including the return of favourite school meals, an upcoming Break the Rules Day, new ‘I wish my teacher knew…’ boxes in every class and the launch of a girls’ football club. Pupils also shared creative ideas for Anti‑Bullying Week, such as odd socks day, bright‑coloured non‑uniform and collaborative activities to strengthen friendships. Finally, children began thinking about their favourite subjects and how these could be improved. This work supports CRC Article 13 (children’s right to express their ideas) and Article 19 (the right to be protected from harm and bullying).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 20th October 2025
This week, the OuRRSay Squad gathered ideas from across the school about playground equipment pupils would like at playtimes, with suggestions ranging from skipping ropes and tennis balls to art and craft areas and rounders sets. Children also raised additional ideas, including more playground bins, a girls’ football club and ‘I wish my teacher knew…’ boxes to support wellbeing. The group then prepared for Anti‑Bullying Week by agreeing to collect class ideas on how best to mark the event. This work supports CRC Article 31 (the right to play and leisure) and Article 19 (the right to be safe and protected from harm).
OuRRSay Squad Update – 13th October 2025
This week, the OuRRSay Squad discussed ways to support children who travel to school using scooters and bikes, suggesting a new scooter rack and exploring options for additional KS2 bike storage. Pupils also began gathering ideas on what playground equipment children would like available at playtimes, as well as topics they would like raised at future meetings. These discussions reflect CRC Article 12 (children’s right to share their views) and Article 24 (children’s right to a safe, healthy environment).