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Sky News
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney defends new guidance on tackling pupil behaviour
Scotland's first minister has defended guidance issued to schools on how to deal with violent and aggressive behaviour from pupils amid criticism a stricter approach is required to "restore discipline". The Scottish government published new guidance earlier this week following calls from teachers for help to tackle the issue. In her foreword, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said that exclusion should only be used as a "last resort". The guidance aims to focus on improving outcomes by "reinforcing positive behaviour and working to reduce the likelihood of negative behaviour occurring in future". It comes after a survey by the NASUWT union in March found 83% of members believed pupil violence and aggression had increased in the last year. At First Minister's Questions on Thursday, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives said violent and disruptive behaviour in schools "is getting worse". MSP Russell Findlay added: "A small minority of pupils prevent the majority from learning in peace and in safety. "Some teachers feel unsafe. Many feel unsupported. The SNP's naive and weak approach fails absolutely everyone." The Scottish government said the new guidance had been developed with input from headteachers, teaching unions, local government and educational psychologists. Mr Findlay said it was "complicated and confusing", branding it "49 pages of tedious, hand-wringing nonsense". He also criticised some of the suggested measures, including giving "violent pupils laminated bullet points, telling them to think about their behaviour", and tackling unsafe behaviour by having "a conversation to jointly problem solve with the child". Mr Findlay added: "And it also says that disruptive pupils should be allowed to leave class two minutes early, which to me sounds like a reward rather than a punishment." The MSP said his party had "long argued that a stricter approach is necessary to restore discipline in schools" as he called on the first minister to empower teachers to be able to do so. He continued: "We believe in exclusions for violence because they protect staff and pupils, and because they work." In response, John Swinney agreed that disruptive behaviour in schools was the product of a "minority of pupils". But the first minister added: "I don't think for a moment that Mr Findlay's presentation of the guidance is in any way, shape or form representative of what is actually there." Mr Swinney argued the guidance had been designed to de-escalate and resolve situations to ensure the youngsters are well supported to "fulfil their potential". He explained: "Because if young people are unable to participate in their education, they are unlikely to go into good outcomes in our society, and we will simply repeat the difficulties that we've seen for many years of young people who do not go on to positive destinations." Mr Swinney said there had been 11,676 exclusions in 2022/23. Although lower than what was recorded in 2018/19, the first minister said "it is still a very high level of exclusion of young people from our schools". Mr Swinney pointed to a summit he recently hosted in an attempt to curb school violence, where he said none of the attendees pushed for increased exclusions. He said: "So, what we are getting from Russell Findlay today is a demonisation of young people and a failure to address the mechanisms and the interventions required to solve a difficult issue in our society." Mr Findlay - a former crime journalist - has repeatedly criticised the SNP's "soft touch justice regime" and in recent months raised the issue of organised crime gangs "grooming" vulnerable youngsters as they face a "reduced risk" of being jailed due to the nation's sentencing guidelines for under-25s. Mr Swinney said exclusions can have "negative consequences", explaining: "If a young person is excluded from school, they are not in the safe environment of school. "They are therefore likely to be out on the streets and therefore potentially able to become involved in some of the criminal activity that Mr Findlay himself has put to me within the last fortnight at First Minister's Questions as being a risk to which young people are exposed."
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Families urged to check school meal support before start of summer holidays
Households with two children could be entitled to between £150 and £288 over the school holidays this summer. How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare Families across Scotland are being urged to check their eligibility for free school meal support ahead of the summer holidays. Local authorities support eligible families to access food during school holiday periods, including food vouchers and direct payments to families. The Scottish Government provides local councils with a total of £21.75 million annually to fund this provision. Households normally eligible for free school meals during term time should automatically start receiving payments of £2.50 or £4.80 per day, per child, during the holidays, depending on the child's age and where they live. While exact holiday dates vary by council, national advice agency Advice Direct Scotland calculated that a household with two children could be entitled to between £150 and £288 to help cover meal costs over the course of the six-week summer break. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 'Schools breaking up for summer provides families with opportunities to rest, enjoy quality time together and prepare for the academic year ahead, but we know the holiday periods can also be a time of increased financial pressure for families. 'Scotland is currently the only part of the UK with holiday free school meal provision, which is an important strand of our work towards eradicating child poverty. The Scottish Government provides more than £21 million annually to support local councils to continue free meal provision for those families that need it most. 'As we approach the summer break, I urge anyone who may have become newly eligible to check their eligibility status with their local authority and apply as soon as possible.' Parents who have not yet applied for free school meals, or who might start claiming benefits over the holidays due to a change in circumstances, are being urged to take action now. All children in P1 to P5 at schools run by local councils currently receive free school lunches during term time, regardless of their family circumstances. Children in P6 and above continue to qualify only if they come from low-income households. Over the summer and other holidays, support is available to those who normally receive free school meals. Payments are set at £2.50 per day, per child, for each weekday during the holidays, excluding weekends. However, some councils, such as Midlothian, offer higher rates of £4.20 per primary school pupil and £4.80 per secondary school pupil. This means summer payments will be around £75, £126, or £144 per child, depending on the rate and school stage. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With the summer holidays approaching fast, it's crucial that families know about the support available to help provide healthy meals for their children. Many Scots are facing financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living and energy crises and will be worried about holiday-related expenses on top of rising bills. 'For families with children eligible for free school meals, payments are available throughout the summer, so we encourage anyone who might benefit to apply now. Remember, once your application is approved, payments will start promptly and will also be available during other school holidays. 'If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help applying, our team at offers free, confidential support to everyone, regardless of personal circumstances.' How to qualify for free school meals To qualify, people must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: Universal Credit (where monthly earned income is not more than £850) Income Support Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 People who are not currently eligible but start receiving one of the above benefits during the summer holidays can apply for the extra support immediately. Applications can be made through councils or online at Those unable to fill out the application can contact the team at for help, over the phone or online. The form takes around 20 minutes to complete. Applicants will need the dates of birth of any children they have, their partner's details if applicable, and their bank details. provides free, practical advice and information on any topic, including access to benefits and whether households are claiming all the support they are entitled to. The team can be contacted on 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Scots education secretary attends turf-cutting ceremony marking start of work on Chryston High School extension
Jenny Gilruth was on hand to hear how the project will increase the school's capacity by 500 pupils to meet the needs of new housing developments in the area. Scotland's education secretary hailed the impending "important facilities" as she attended a turf-cutting ceremony marking the start of building work on the extension of Chryston High School. Jenny Gilruth was on hand to hear how the project will increase the school's capacity by 500 pupils to meet the needs of new housing developments in the area. It will include new classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, sports facilities, and an early years centre. Councillor Michael McBride, convener of education, children and families, cut the first turf on the new site. He said: "This is a significant investment in our young people and the wider community. "The expanded school will meet the needs of a growing population and offer excellent new facilities for pupils and residents. "We're committed to creating top-quality spaces for our communities now and in the future." The Scottish Government is funding the project through its Learning Estate Investment Programme. The development will include new indoor and outdoor community sports facilities that will be available for public use. Ms Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said: "It was a pleasure to join pupils, staff and contractors to mark the start of work on the new Chryston High School expansion. "It will add to the high quality learning spaces available for pupils, teachers and staff, and provide important facilities for the wider community. "Through the £2 billion learning estate investment programme, the Scottish Government is driving improvements in schools across Scotland, with the number of schools in good or satisfactory condition increasing from 62.7 per cent in 2007 to 91.7 per cent in 2024." Snowdrop Nursery will also move into the new campus, helping to build stronger links between the nursery and the school. Gregg Orrock, head teacher of Chryston High School, added: "This is an exciting time for our school and community. "The new extension will bring great new learning and social spaces. "We're also looking forward to working with BAM on a Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction Skills, giving our pupils real insight into careers in the industry." The construction is being led by BAM Construction, working with Hub South West, and the design team includes BDP Architects, Blyth & Blyth (civil and structural engineers) and Hulley & Kirkwood (mechanical and electrical engineers). Chryston High School serves the Northern Corridor, with pupils coming from Auchinloch, Chryston, Gartcosh, Moodiesburn and Stepps primary schools. The turf-cutting event was attended by local councillors, Scottish Government representatives, Gregg Orrock and pupils. Jim Ward, regional director at BAM Construction, said: "This project is the result of a strong partnership between Hub South West and North Lanarkshire Council. "We're proud to be building a modern, inclusive learning space that will help young people thrive." Shaun Sands, programme director at Hub South West, added: "This extension will improve the already excellent facilities at Chryston High. "It's a great example of working together to meet local needs with smart, sustainable solutions." *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. Article continues below
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Major new shake-up to Scots primary school curriculum after long-fought campaign
Bosses at St Andrew's First Aid have campaigned for years. LIFESAVING LESSONS Major new shake-up to Scots primary school curriculum after long-fought campaign Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KIDS across Scotland will get a new lease of life - as teachers can finally teach them vital medical skills. Bosses at St Andrew's First Aid have campaigned for years to bring courses to the classroom - as youngsters are sponges for learning critical care steps. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth MSP has championed the move. Credit: Alamy 2 Kids can help save lives in the future. Credit: St Andrews first aid Now the charity - the only of its kind in the country - has officially launched the Scottish Primary School First Aid Programme. This means teachers can access free and easy online plans to give students lifesaving lessons. Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Ms Jenny Gilruth, said: 'Learning and teaching in school is about equipping young people with knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare them for life beyond school. 'No-one expects to have to deal with a medical emergency, but first aid skills can be crucial in supporting the response to one. 'This initiative from St Andrew's First Aid will help equip primary pupils with potentially lifesaving skills, benefitting them and our wider society.' The journey towards the programme began in 2018 when the charity highlighted that Scotland-wide research showed children as young as five were able to play a role in helping to save a life using first aid. This led to the idea to create a dedicated training resource for teachers, which would empower them to deliver vital first aid education to pupils from P1 through to P7. It was piloted in partnership with Stirling Council in 2021 to identify any barriers to the scheme proving successful. Since then, St Andrew's First Aid has trained 56 teachers from 31 of the 40 primary schools in the local authority. Jim Dorman, director of operations and community engagement at St Andrew's First Aid said: 'The launch of this initiative is the culmination of many years of research, engagement and hard work – and we are thrilled to be in a position to finally make our ambition, a reality. Children First Aid: Choking 'There is considerable amounts of evidence, including our own, which demonstrates that young children can play an active and valuable role in helping to save a life. 'This project is about giving teachers the confidence and resources to introduce first aid into their classrooms, helping to ensure children across Scotland gain the knowledge and skills they need to act in an emergency.' The charity is urging teachers to find out more about the programme and to register to receive access to its online learning platform and comprehensive suite of digital teaching resources via its website. Teacher training days will also be made available to support staff with continuing professional development opportunities, helping them to feel confident in the delivery of the programme. Sessions are designed to be delivered in short 20 to 40 minute, age-appropriate lessons, either flexibly over seven years or as one full four-hour course. Upon completion of the Scottish Primary School First Aid Programme, schools will be able to apply for certificates for every pupil who has completed the course to recognise their achievement. The charity is also set to launch SAFE: St Andrew's Framework for Education ahead of the new academic session in August 2025. The framework will reward schools for the teaching of first aid and for establishing a wider caring community through four banded levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The skills are especially valuable - as it's believed lives are being lost due to a lack of first aid knowledge. Last month the charity revealed seven per cent of Scottish adults found themselves in situations where they could have stepped in to provide first aid but chose not to. Its analysis suggested that those who opt not to step in to help could equate to 224 lives potentially being lost. The hope is that the sooner people learn about first aid, the more confident in their skills they will be as they get older. Dorman added: 'The success of the Stirling pilot has shown us just how much of a difference this programme can make — and we're excited to now be offering this opportunity to schools nationwide." There are seven core topics in the programme, with each designed to focus on a specific area of first aid. Session one for P1 students onwards is about calling for help and teaches how to spot real emergencies, choose the right service and give the right information. The next stage for P2 and above teaches how to stay safe, check a casualty, and assist emergency services. From P3, kids learn what's inside a First Aid Kit and how to perform both primary and secondary surveys. While P4 students and older have access to lessons on wounds and bleeding, burns, breathing conditions and CPR and defibrillation. To download the teaching materials and to understand how the lessons work, go to
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Scottish schools told to wait for guidance on single-sex toilets after Supreme Court ruling
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The SNP is being accused of 'refusing' to implement the UK Supreme Court's gender ruling in Scottish schools. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said schools would have to wait for government guidance on single-sex toilets, despite warnings the delay puts girls' safety 'at risk'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Supreme Court in April ruled the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex only. In recent months a judge also ordered Scottish schools to provide single-sex toilets after a court challenge, but the Government said this was the responsibility of individual councils. When asked by The Scotsman if she is concerned about schools being left to make their own decisions on single-sex toilets, Ms Gilruth said: 'As you'll be aware, in relation to the Supreme Court ruling, we are working across government. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth | Press Association. 'Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville is leading that work and the EHRC [Equality and Human Rights Commission] has launched a consultation. We will respond to that in due course. But we have published updated guidance, which is shared with all local authorities, and we are engaging directly with the EHRC.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She said both Ms Somerville and Health Secretary Neil Gray met with the EHRC last week to discuss the Supreme Court's rulings and the implications that would have for Scotland. Ms Gilruth said: 'I am not able to say anything further because we have to wait for that update from the EHRC.' This comes just days after at least six schools in Aberdeenshire, the Borders and Shetland, which previously only offered gender-neutral toilets, said they would be creating single-sex facilities on the back of the Supreme Court verdict. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clackmannanshire, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, Midlothian, and Perth and Kinross councils all have at least one school that offers no single-sex facilities. Argyll and Bute, South Ayrshire, Moray, Stirling and South Lanarkshire councils said none of their schools offered any gender-neutral facilities for pupils. Tess White, the Scottish Conservatives' equalities spokeswoman, said: 'This is yet another example of an SNP minister refusing to implement the Supreme Court's judgement. 'Forcing girls to use mixed-sex toilets at school puts their safety at risk, but the SNP are obsessed with gender ideology at the expense of everything else.
