The Rights of the Child Policy

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS NURSERY The Rights of the Child Policy

Truly Scrumptious E Y Nursery

The rights of the child Policy

In line with, The United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nursery believes that all children have basic needs, and it is their universal right to have these met to ensure each child in the world can develop to their full potential.

The UNCRC is an international agreement that protects the rights of the children and provides a child-centred framework for the development services for children.

At Truly Scrumptious we put the “Rights of the Child” at the centre of our planning. We reflect the needs of all children within the setting and enable them to enjoy their rights with a growing understanding of how they can help others to access their rights.

The UNCRC is separated into 54 “articles”. Out of the 54, 12 are particularly relevant for early years practitioners working with children.

article 2 (non-discrimination)
The Convention applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background.

article 3 (best interests of the child) The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.

article 9 (separation from parents) Children must not be separated from their parents against their will unless it is in their best interests (for example, if a parent is hurting or neglecting a child). Children whose parents have separated have the right to stay in contact with both parents, unless this could cause them harm.

article 12 (respect for the views
of the child)
Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day-to-day home life.

article 13 (freedom of expression) Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.

article 14 (freedom of thought,
belief and religion)
Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.

article 17 (access to information from the media)
Every child has the right to reliable information from a variety of sources, and governments should encourage the media to provide information that children can understand. Governments must help protect children from materials that could harm them.

article 19 (protection from violence, abuse and neglect)
Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.

article 28 (right to education)
Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free and different forms of secondary education must be available to every child. Discipline in schools must respect children’s dignity and their rights. Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.

article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect

for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.

article 31 (leisure, play and culture) Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.

article 42 (knowledge of rights) Governments must actively work to make sure children and adults know about the Convention.

We recognise the connections between the areas of learning and the variety of articles of the UNCRC. For example

Personal, Social & emotional development-

Children should have a name
Children should be able to be listened to and be able to think about things.

The Early Years Inspection Handbook says that settings should:

Actively promote equality and diversity
Actively promote British Values
Narrow any gaps in outcomes between different groups of children
Tackle poor behaviour towards others, including bullying and discrimination

ALL children have the right to freedom of expression (article 13) which includes the right to share information in any way they choose, including by talking, drawing or writing, etc.

Policy reviewed 20/04/2023

By Brittany V – Nursery Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead Officers