by Geraldine Carter
•
3 February 2026
Running Deer School is proud to announce that it has been awarded the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools (RRS) Bronze Award – Rights Committed, recognising the school’s dedication to embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its ethos, environment, and culture. The award reflects the commitment and collaboration of the school community, particularly the RRS Student Steering Group, who have played a central role in championing children’s rights across the school. “I feel honoured for this award, and I will continue to work towards making sure rights are met across the school,” student OH, Rights Respecting Schools Student Steering Group. “I am so proud of the work the whole school community and our student steering group have put in to getting this initial award with RRSA Lead Teacher Sarah McLintock. This is an incredibly important piece of work for our students whilst at our school but also for their futures beyond Running Deer School. I am extremely excited to see their ambition and aspirations to achieve the Silver Award next. I wish to thank the student steering group, staff and families for their support, advocacy and continued efforts.” Geraldine Carter, Head of School. What Does It Mean to Be a Rights Respecting School? As a Rights Respecting School, Running Deer School is working to: • Improve the school using the UN Rights of the Child as the foundation for decision making. • Strengthen the school experience for all students by ensuring rights are understood, respected, and upheld. Achieving the Bronze Award places the school firmly on the path toward the next stage of accreditation. Looking Ahead: Working Towards Silver When Running Deer School achieves Silver: Rights Aware Accreditation, it will become one of only four schools in Devon to hold this prestigious status. To progress to Silver, the school will focus on three key areas: 1. Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion: o A Pride March was completed on school grounds in January 2026. o The school aims to take a group of students to Exeter Pride in June 2026. 2. Reinstating ‘No Outsiders’ Lessons on Diversity: o All students will engage with diversity, equality, and inclusion learning, supported by Rights Respecting Schools “Round the World” monthly resources. 3. Empowering Student Voice: o Ensuring every pupil understands they have a voice—and knows how to use it responsibly to access and advocate for their rights. Next Steps The school will continue strengthening student leadership, embedding rights based language in daily practice, and collaborating with the wider community to build a truly rights respecting environment."
