The Rights of the Child Policy

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS NURSERY

At Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nursery, we are committed to upholding and promoting the rights of every child in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2024).

We recognise that all children have universal rights, including the right to be kept safe, to be heard, to learn and play, and to develop their potential in a safe and nurturing environment. We aim to reflect these rights in our practice, policies, and daily interactions with children, families, and the wider community.

Our Commitment

We actively promote a child-centred approach to care and education, underpinned by the following principles:

Every child is unique and has the right to be respected and treated equally.
Children’s voices are listened to, valued, and taken seriously.
Children’s well-being, safety, and best interests are at the heart of all decisions and actions.
Children are supported to develop their identity, confidence, and sense of belonging.

Relevant UNCRC Articles in Practice

We incorporate the following key articles from the UNCRC into our daily provision:

Article	Description
2	Non-discrimination – Every child is treated fairly regardless of their background, gender, abilities, or beliefs.
3	Best interests of the child – All decisions made are based on what is best for the child.
9	Separation from parents – Children’s rights to maintain contact with both parents are respected unless it is not in their best interests.
12	Respect for the views of the child – Children are given opportunities to express their views and have their opinions considered.
13	Freedom of expression – Children are encouraged to express themselves through talking, drawing, writing, and other forms.
14	Freedom of thought, belief, and religion – Children are supported to explore beliefs and values in a respectful environment.
17	Access to information – We provide children with developmentally appropriate and safe access to learning materials and media.
19	Protection from abuse – Safeguarding procedures are rigorously followed to protect all children from harm.
28	Right to education – We deliver inclusive, quality early education for all children.
29	Goals of education – We support children to develop to their full potential in line with their interests and talents.
31	Right to play and rest – Play is central to our curriculum, and we provide varied opportunities for leisure, creativity, and cultural expression.
42	Knowledge of rights – We educate both children and adults about children’s rights in accessible and meaningful ways.

How We Put Rights into Practice

In the Curriculum

Rights are embedded in the curriculum through child-led planning, voice and choice in learning, and inclusive play.
Children learn about their rights through age-appropriate discussions, books, and circle time activities.

In Relationships

Practitioners form secure, respectful relationships with all children.
Children are supported to build friendships and resolve conflicts peacefully.

In Inclusion and Equality

We celebrate diversity and promote equality, ensuring that every child is seen, heard, and valued.
We challenge stereotypes and discrimination and foster a sense of identity and belonging.

In Safeguarding

We follow robust safeguarding procedures to uphold each child’s right to protection from abuse, neglect, and harm.
All staff are trained in safeguarding and know how to act on concerns (see our Safeguarding Policy for full details).

Links to Other Policies and Guidance

This policy works in conjunction with the following:

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Equality and Diversity Policy
Behaviour Management Policy
EYFS Statutory Framework (2024)
Ofsted Education Inspection Framework
UNCRC (1989), ratified by the UK in 1991

Monitoring and Evaluation

The effectiveness of this policy will be reviewed annually by the management team. Ongoing feedback from children, staff, and families will be encouraged to improve our approach to children’s rights in practice.

Review Details

Reviewed by: Brittany V – Nursery Manager – 09/06/2025