Rhyl School achieves two school status awards

Ysgol Christchurch in Rhyl has recently achieved two school awards, the Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award, and the Trauma Informed Schools UK award.

The Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award is granted by UNICEF UK to schools that have fully embedded children’s rights throughout the school in its policies. Ysgol Christchurch has become the first school in the County to achieve this award.

To achieve this award status, schools are assessed by looking at the whole school’s rights respecting work and the impact that has been made through embedding children’s rights into school life.

In the accreditation report, the following strengths were highlighted:

• Continued commitment and creativity by the whole school in placing CRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) at the heart of policy and practice.
• The caring and nurturing ethos of the school, where the values of dignity and respect are lived and valued by the whole school community.
• Pupil voice that is highly valued, with a range of pupil groups giving opportunities for all young people to put their ideas forward and these to be acted upon.

In addition to this award, Ysgol Christchurch have also recently achieved the Trauma Informed Schools UK award. The award recognises the steps and efforts made by the school and Governors to embed Trauma Informed Schools practices, ensuring children feel psychologically safe in school, due to the established culture of warmth and social engagement in staff-pupil interactions.

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said:

“It is great to see that Ysgol Christchurch has picked up these awards. To be the first school in the County to achieve the Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award shows the school’s commitment to evolving and expanding pupil knowledge and values.

Congratulations to them for such great achievements.”

Bethan Lindquist, Headteacher at Ysgol Christchurch said:

“I am extremely proud that our school has achieved these award statuses. These awards are a testimony to the staff and their commitment to supporting our pupils, providing the highest standard of care and support we can offer.

These awards reflect the dedication of our pupils, staff, governors, and wider community in fostering an environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered.”