Four Sandwell schools are celebrating after scooping awards.
Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury is the first Sandwell secondary school to achieve the Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award. The award is a recognition of the school’s commitment to students’ rights and wellbeing.
Headteacher James Topham said: “At Wood Green Academy, we remain committed to ensuring that children’s rights shape our learning, teaching and everyday school life. By working together, we are helping to build a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every young person can thrive, feel valued and have their voice heard.”
And three schools - Wednesbury Oak Academy, Timbertree Academy in Cradley Heath and Crocketts Community Primary in Smethwick - have received the OPAL award - accreditation from the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) Primary Programme, a school improvement program focused on transforming playtime.
Find out more about how the OPAL programme is transforming playtime at Wednesbury Oak Academy.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children and families Councillor Jalal Uddin said: “Schools across Sandwell are absolutely committed to being child-friendly - which means thinking about children first when making decisions, listening to their voices, and making sure Sandwell is a safe, fair and welcoming place for every child to grow up.”
Councillor Harnoor Bhullar, cabinet member for education, added: “I’d like to congratulate all four schools on achieving these awards. They demonstrate how working with children, families, schools and partners is making Sandwell the best place it can possibly be for our children and young people.”
Being a child friendly Sandwell is one of the council’s top priorities. A child friendly borough is one that respects and promotes the rights of children and young people and provides them with opportunities to participate in its social, cultural, political and economic life.
Becoming a child friendly borough involves engaging with children and young people as active citizens, ensuring their safety and well-being, and creating inclusive and accessible spaces and services for them.