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The town primary school, which has over 300 pupils, is the third Island school to reach this level and is now focusing on gaining their gold accreditation.
The rights respecting schools programme, which is a UNICEF initiative, was introduced in Jersey by the Children’s Commissioner earlier this year. So far 17 schools have signed up with three primary schools already working towards gold, Grouville, Mont Nicolle and St Luke’s.
The UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) puts children’s rights at the heart of schools. UNICEF works with schools to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. The Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
The ambition is that all pupils in Jersey have a voice, that they know that they have rights, what those rights are, and what to do when their rights are not upheld.
Elaine George, who has taken over from Kelly Horton as Rights Respecting Schools Lead at Janvrin School, said: “The children, staff and families at Janvrin School are extremely proud of this achievement.
“The silver award is a reflection of how well the children and staff have integrated children's rights into our school life and beyond, alongside an understanding of how these need to be respected throughout life.
“We have seen many children who can talk about their rights and how they are respected at school and home. This is also reflected in the way in which they talk to and respond to each other and adults in school - creating a respectful and positive ethos.
We look forward to embedding and developing the work we have started at Janvrin and work towards achieving the Gold award.”
Jersey’s Children’s Commissioner, Mrs McMillan, said: “I am delighted that Janvrin has achieved their silver award. It’s a significant achievement and one that will benefit not only their students but also the wider community. Supporting children in understanding their rights is the first step towards ensuring these rights are realised.
“In light of the Jersey Care Commission’s report that was published earlier this month and the pledge made by States members, I feel that value of this programme should not be underestimated. The Rights Respecting Schools Programme empowers children, supporting them in understanding their rights and encouraging them to speak out when these rights are not being upheld.
“We have a unique opportunity in Jersey to reach all children whatever their circumstances, and we must ensure we do. 17 schools have already signed up and I hope that this number will continue to rise.”
This week 10 schools are attending further training with a professional advisor for the Rights Respecting Schools Programme from UNICEF, to support them in working towards either their bronze or gold accreditation.
