Meeting of the Parliament 12 March 2026 [Draft]
When we talk about behaviour in schools, we need to be careful, as we are not seeking to demonise the next generation. The majority of children and young people in Scotland’s schools are well behaved; the behaviour in Scottish schools research documented that. However, it also suggested that there have been changes in behaviour in our schools post-pandemic, which the Scottish Government recognises.
In answer to Foysol Choudhury’s point, that is exactly why we have worked with local government on a national action plan, as I said to Stephen Kerr, sharing responsibility in relation to developing guidance on consequences, risk assessment, supporting attendance and racism and racist incidents, as well as guidance on responding to substance abuse in schools, which we will publish in the coming weeks.
Later, we will publish further guidance on the recording and monitoring of incidents in schools and updated national guidance on exclusion. Partnership working with local government is well under way.