GOLD status has been awarded to Ross High School from UNICEF for its commitment to putting children's rights at the heart of school life.

The Tranent school has been awarded the highest stage of the charity's Rights Respecting School (RRS) award following a visit from two assessors last month.

They spoke with 22 pupils during focus group conversations, while eight provided digital presentations.

Discussions with four teachers, a parent, a behavioural support officer and a mental health youth worker also provided evidence for the award.

The report from the visit states: “It was evident that children’s rights are embedded across the school and underpin every facet of school life.”

UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School Award recognises a school’s efforts to provide a space where students are nurtured and able to thrive.

There are four key areas of impact for children at an RRS school: wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem.

The scheme uses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as a guide, with schools aiming to work through a bronze, silver and gold status. A rigorous process means that the journey to the highest stage can take up to four years.

The report from the recent inspection also praised the school’s “strong focus on the health and wellbeing of students in the context of rights”, meaning that young people feel “supported and protected”.

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It continues: “Pupil voice is valued highly, with a range of pupil voice groups giving opportunities for all young people to put suggestions forward and for these to be acted upon.”

The assessment report comments that pupils learn about rights through assemblies, newsletters, lessons and school activities.

It also complimented pupils for their work for local and global charities, as well as for lending support across the community.

These include recent fundraisers for East Lothian Foodbank, supporting local churches with their Christmas drives, and linking with Tranent Wombles to participate in litter picks.

Following the news last week that their bid to become a Gold Rights Respecting School was successful, Ross High School is now one of a small number of secondary schools across Scotland to achieve the scheme’s highest accolade.