GTC Scotland confirms commitment to children’s rights as UNCRC legislation comes into force
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 came into force on 16 July.
The Act requires public authorities to protect children’s human rights in their decision-making when delivering functions conferred by Acts of the Scottish Parliament, and allows children and young people to use the courts to enforce their rights if they consider they have been breached.
Children’s rights and GTC Scotland
Children’s rights are embedded in the Professional Standards for Teachers and the Code of Professionalism and Conduct (COPAC).
The Professional Standards include a commitment to the professional value of social justice, including:
“respecting the rights of all learners as outlined in the UNCRC and their entitlement to be included in decisions regarding their learning experiences and have all aspects of their wellbeing developed and supported.”
COPAC states the standard of conduct and competence expected of registered teachers in accordance with the general principles of the UNCRC.
It outlines the professional responsibilities of teachers towards learners, and provides that:
“[teachers] should be aware of the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, regarding equal treatment, the child’s best interests, and giving appropriate weight to the views of the child.”
A recent edition of Teaching Scotland featured an article by Jill Burdett, Senior Programme Manager at the Children’s Parliament and registered primary school teacher, who wrote about the incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law and explained why a rights-based culture is for everyone and how, in her view, the Professional Standards support this approach.
Putting the law into practice
GTC Scotland welcomes this move to strengthen children’s rights in Scotland. As the independent regulator of teachers, we will ensure that where they are engaged as part of our work, we will continue to recognise and respect the rights of children and young people in line with the new legislation.
