UNICEF
Kingston Council is reassessing its Unicef Child Friendly City status due to costs, while Bexley schools are recognised for rights-respecting work.
Kingston upon Thames Council is currently reassessing its commitment to Unicef's Child Friendly Cities and Communities status, which provides humanitarian aid to children worldwide, due to significant cost implications. In September 2025, the People Committee agreed to explore alternative approaches before deciding on the programme, which would cost an estimated £35,000 annually for at least three years.
Meanwhile, Bexley schools were praised in November 2025 for their commitment to promoting children's rights, with the borough ranking among the top ten London boroughs for schools registered with UNICEF's Rights Respecting Schools Award. In July 2025, Hackney Council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission heard that 60% of schools initially signed up to the Inclusive and Nurturing Schools programme, which involves Unicef partners, later disengaged.
Key facts
- Bexley schools were praised in November 2025 for commitment to children's rights. Source
- Bexley ranks in top ten London boroughs for UNICEF's Rights Respecting Schools Award. Source
- Kingston's People Committee agreed in September 2025 to explore alternatives for the Unicef programme. Source
- The Unicef Child Friendly Cities programme would cost Kingston an estimated £35,000 annually for three years. Source
- In July 2025, Hackney heard 60% of schools disengaged from the INS programme. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.