Pupils, staff and families at St Edward's Primary School in Airdrie are celebrating after the school achieved the Gold Rights Respecting School Award from UNICEF UK.
The award is the highest level of recognition granted through the Rights Respecting Schools Award programme and recognises schools that place children's rights at the heart of school life. It highlights the school's commitment to ensuring that every child feels valued, respected and able to have their voice heard.
The Gold Award reflects years of hard work by pupils and staff to embed children's rights across the curriculum, school policies and daily activities. Assessors praised the strong understanding of rights among pupils and the positive, inclusive culture throughout the school community.
Head Teacher Mrs Siobhan Egan said she was immensely proud of the achievement.
She said: "This award is a wonderful recognition of the dedication shown by our pupils, staff and families. At St Edward's, children's rights are at the centre of everything we do.
“We work hard to ensure every child feels safe, respected and empowered to make a positive contribution to our school and wider community. Achieving Gold status is a fantastic milestone and one that everyone associated with the school should be proud of."
Pupils played a key role in securing the award, helping to promote children's rights and encouraging their classmates to take an active role in school life.
One pupil said: "We have learned that every child has rights and that everyone's voice matters. We make sure people feel included and respected, and we are proud that our school has achieved the Gold Award."
Mrs Hughes, the Rights Respecting Schools Lead, said: "It was a privilege to work alongside the pupils and to see them making a tangible difference to the community through campaigns tackling dog fouling and car park safety."
Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, congratulated the school on its success.
He said: "I would like to warmly congratulate everyone at St Edward's Primary School on achieving the Gold Rights Respecting School Award. This is a significant accomplishment and reflects the commitment of pupils, staff and families to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
“The school has demonstrated a genuine commitment to promoting children's rights and ensuring young people have a voice in decisions that affect them. This award is richly deserved."