AN independent school in Moretonhampstead providing high support specialist education for young people has received national recognition for its work on children’s rights

Running Deer School, based in Court Street, has been awarded the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Bronze Award, known as Rights Committed.

The award recognises schools that are working to place the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the centre of school life, including decision-making, behaviour, and student voice.

UNICEF said the Bronze Award shows a school has made a clear commitment to understanding and promoting children’s rights across its community.

Students played a key role in the process through the school’s Rights Respecting Schools Student Steering Group, which helped lead activities and raise awareness among pupils and staff.

One student member of the group said: ‘I feel honoured for this award, and I will continue to work towards making sure rights are met across the school’.

Head of School, Geraldine Carter, said the achievement reflected work across the whole school community.

‘This is an incredibly important piece of work for our students whilst at our school but also for their futures beyond Running Deer School’, Geraldine said.

‘We are extremely proud of our students and excited to work towards the Silver Award next’, Geraldine added.

As part of the Bronze Award process, the school completed staff and student surveys to assess understanding of children’s rights, shared information with families and partner organisations, and developed a long-term action plan.

Running Deer School is now working towards the Silver: Rights Aware award, which would place it among a small number of schools in Devon to reach that level.

Future plans include further work on inclusion and diversity, strengthening lessons on equality, and supporting pupils to understand how to use their voice responsibly.

Running Deer School is part of Running Deer C.I.C, a not-for-profit organisation providing education and training in Devon