Silver: Rights Aware

Silver accreditations take place virtually, usually via Microsoft Teams. 

We want to make the accreditation experience as positive and supportive as possible. As such, we adopt a flexible approach, tailored to the criteria you have in place in your school around keeping safe.  

To book your virtual visit complete our Silver Accreditation Booking Form and return to your Professional Adviser. 

Work through the Silver checklist and the Steps towards Silver webpage. 

Check the video platform being used for the visit. Ensure the space used is big enough and accessible for the children and adults involved: can they all be seen on screen? Adapt the group size if necessary.

Complete the Silver Suggested Programme adapting to suit your school.

We will be guided by you on who we speak to during the visit. Possible approaches to meetings might include: 

• Bringing a range of children into one space with the laptop camera and microphone set up to show  

• Meeting several groups of three or four children in different groups for shorter periods of discussion, perhaps 15 minutes per group. In their group, they could gather around a laptop or table.  

• Using Microsoft Teams with pupils around the school site but all joining the one meeting with the assessor. This may work particularly well for steering groups, especially in secondary settings. 

• Parents and governors may be able to contribute to the visit by coming into school or accessing from home or work.  

Our top tip is to build in quick breaks between each meeting so you can move around or gather groups – you can leave the meeting and then return when you are ready. 

In some settings, direct conversations with children and young people may not be possible. If this is the case in your school, we encourage you to be creative in how you share their experience with us. We often meet children who have pre prepared information or a presentation or bring prompts with them to support discussion.  Assessors could also observe a relevant classroom or small group discussion, or you can provide video evidence. Please speak with your professional Adviser to agree what is best for your children.  

Make sure you have identified a school member of staff to attend all sessions, ideally this will be your RRSA coordinator. They will need to be visible on screen.

Be flexible. If at any point anyone needs a break the meeting can be adjourned. We also understand that network connections are not always reliable. 

The assessor should have a short break (10-15) minutes before feeding back to the headteacher and coordinator – this allows them to clarify the highlights of the ‘visit’ they want to share and to prepare the recommendations they wish to feedback. 

The visit will last approximately two hours. 

During the accreditation, the assessor will have conversations with: 

• The headteacher and RRSA coordinator and senior leaders to discuss their role in achieving the three RRSA Strands 

• A group of approximately 10 pupils randomly selected from across the school (you may include children from your steering group) 

• Staff, parents/carers and governors/parent council 

• Check out the full programme here.  

The assessor will tell you on the day of the accreditation visit if you have been successful in meeting the Silver: Rights Aware criteria.

Assuming you are successful, you will receive a report from your assessor.

The Silver: Rights Respecting logo will be emailed to you and you will receive a banner and certificate in the post.

You can display these on your school website and documentation.

Reaching Silver is an amazing achievement so be sure to celebrate. Use our press release template for your media work, and share your photos and stories with us.