A HARROW primary was the first school to be awarded by charity UNICEF in a programme to teach children about their human rights.

Newton Farm School, in South Harrow, achieved the Level One Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA), which recognises the efforts of schools to incorporate the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child into its curriculum.

Harrow Council worked with UNICEF to teach 21 schools about the act.

The council’s portfolio holder for Schools and Colleges, Councillor Brian Gate, was joined by Maura Hayes, from UNICEF, to present the award to pupils and headteacher Rekha Bhakoo at the school last week.

Mrs Bhakoo said: “Pupils know their rights and responsibilities and have a great respect for each other.

“We are all delighted to have been presented with this prestigious award.”

Cllr Gate added: “This is a fantastic achievement and recognises the hard work the school leadership, staff, pupils and parents at Newton Farm have put into learning about UNICEF’s work.

“Learning about the convention means our young people can find out about the rights and responsibilities that underpin society.

“It encourages them to start thinking about global citizenship and parents have told teachers that it has had a positive impact on the behaviour and attitude of their children."