Children and young people play an active role in their school becoming rights-respecting. The RRSA provides a framework for pupil participation based on the Convention. Adults are encouraged to work with children and young people in an inclusive way to ensure their views are heard and valued in decision making which affects them. There is recognition of the emerging capacities of children to play an increasingly informed and active role in the life of the school.
In a rights-respecting school, participation runs like a thread through all aspects of school life. For children and young people, knowing that they have the right to be heard in decisions which affect them boosts not only their sense of security but also their self-confidence. This opens the way to developing and applying the skills, language and concepts that allow them to realise their rights and to advocate for the rights of children everywhere.
