PRIMARY school pupils have been recognised for their respect for children’s rights with a Unicef award.

Youngsters at Whitefield Primary have received the Silver Rights Respecting School Award, just the second in the borough to have the distinction.

The award scheme aims to recognise schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging everyone to respect each other’s rights, by promoting non-discrimination.

Head Katy Dickson said: “Empowering the children is at the heart of what we do. Respect is the key and understanding their rights is essential for our children. We have all been working so hard to develop children’s knowledge and understanding.

"We are so proud that this has been officially recognised by Unicef.

“We are now excited to continue or journey and become the first school in the authority to achieve the Gold award.”

The award recognises achievement by putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of the school’s planning, policies and practice and has received additional funding this year from The National Lottery.

Sophie Chen, a Year Five pupil at the school said: “I’m really pleased and happy that we have got this award.

“I love all my friends and the teachers here, they all do their best to make us happy, especially when we’re sad.

“All of the teachers have told us that they’re really happy with us and they always encourage all of us to do our hardest work.”

Mila Kantor, another pupil from Year Five, added: “I’m so proud of the school because they have worked so hard and they all want to make life better for the pupils like me.

“The teachers always try their best, they always have a smile by the end of the day and we all know that they care about us all very much.”