Human Rights Act 1998
Gives the rights that affect everyday life; it ensures everybody is treated equally, with dignity. This supports a lot of legislation including the UNCRC and is a law. Everyone is responsible for respecting each other’s rights, this supports the rights of children by making sure settings include all children and gives them equal chances at everything, this reflects ‘Article 30: You have the right to practise your own culture, language and religion- or any you choose. Minority and indigenous groups need special protection of this right’ (UNCRC 1, no date).
Children Act 1989
Ensures children’s welfare is put first when courts are making decisions. It is the responsibility of local authorities to identify children that are in need and must help safeguard them; the EYFS outlines how to promote welfare. This supports the rights of children by staff reporting incidents that may occur to relevant local authorities, this reflects ‘Article 9: Children should not be separated from their parents unless it is for their own good. For example, if a parent is mistreating or neglecting a child. Children whose parents have separated have the right to stay in contact with both parents, unless this might hurt the child’. (UNCRC 2, no date)
Children Act 2004
Was brought in because agencies were not working together to protect children’s welfare. It has a duty to safeguard/promote the welfare of children and agencies must work together to improve the well-being of children and young people. This set up the Local Safeguarding Children Boards. This supports the rights of children by ensuring every setting has a safeguarding policy and reflects ‘Article 19: You have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated in body or mind’ (UNCRC 1, no date).
Children Act 2004 Every Child Matters (ECM)
Consists of five outcomes- Be Healthy, Stay Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Make a Positive Contribution and Achieve Economic Well-Being. This supports the rights of children by settings giving them every opportunity they can and planning activities to promote each area of the ECM, this reflects ‘Article 29: Your education should help you use and develop your talents and abilities. It should also help you learn to live peacefully, protect the environment and respect