Showcase Magazine Winter 2026 - Flipbook - Page 27
CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
CHILDREN’S
RIGHTS
In the UK, there are laws that keep children safe and protect their
rights. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that children’s
voices are heard, protect their safety and provide them with access
to opportunities. Children’s rights must be considered and
respected when planning services, making policies and making
decisions. This ensures that all children are treated fairly and helps
them to grow in to confident, independent adults.
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out the
rights that every child in the world is entitled to. This enables them to
survive, grow, participate and reach their full potential. Education,
healthcare and social services all have to follow the standards set by
the UNCRC.
The rights include:
Equality: All children must have the rights in the Convention, no
matter their race, sex, religion, language, disability, family
background.
Best Interests: Decisions affecting children must consider best
interests.
Family and Parents: Children have the right to be raised by their
parents if it respects their rights. Children should know and be cared
for by their parents, unless it is unsafe.
Identity: Every child must be registered at birth, have a name,
nationality, and know their parents.
Going Abroad: The Government must make sure that children are
not taken out of the UK illegally.
Freedom of Expression and Opinion: Children can give opinions on
decisions affecting them, which must be considered.
Thought, Religion, and Association: Children can practice their
religion and express their views freely, as long as it does not harm
others.
Privacy: Children’s privacy, honour, and reputation must be
protected.
Protection: Children must be protected from violence, abuse,
neglect, exploitation, torture, or cruel treatment.
Health and Wellbeing: Children must have access to healthcare,
clean water, healthy food, and a safe environment.
Education and Development: Children have the right to free, goodquality education that helps them reach their potential and respect
human rights. They also have the right to rest, leisure, and cultural
activities.
Work and Safety: Children must not do harmful work or use illegal
drugs. They must be protected from abduction, trafficking, and
other harm.
Justice: Children accused of breaking the law must be treated with
respect, have legal support, and be presumed innocent until proven
guilty.
Play: Every child has the right to play, regardless of needs, culture,
gender, ethnicity, background, or behaviour.
Children’s Commissioner
Every nation in the UK has their own Children
Commissioner whose role is to promote and protect
children’s rights. They act as a voice for children and
make sure their views are heard in decisions that affect
them.
Laws to Protect Children
The Human Rights Act 1998: This act sets out the
rights and freedoms that every individual in the UK
is entitled to. It incorporates the rights set out in the
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into
British law.
Equality Act 2010: This act protects children (and
adults) from discrimination, prejudice, harassment
and victimisation. This applies in housing, education,
work and services. The purpose of this is to advance
equality and opportunity for all.
How do children’s rights influence early years
practice?
Children’s rights shape early years practice by ensuring
that all children are treated with equality, respect, and
care. Practitioners should create inclusive environments
that value diversity and provide opportunities for every
child to participate and express their views. Play is
recognised as vital for development, and decisions are
guided by each child’s best interests, health, and
wellbeing. Safe, nurturing spaces with healthy routines
and safeguarding measures protect children from harm.
Practitioners also work in partnership with parents to
support families and regularly reflect on their practice to
promote inclusion and uphold children’s rights.
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Showcase Training 27
