Scotland is proud of its inclusive approach to education which ensures LGBTI pupils are supported in school. The Government is clear there is no place in Scotland for prejudice or discrimination and that we must promote equality and diversity. Such an approach is embedded in policy and clearly seen in practice. Relationship, sexual health and parenthood education (RSHP), which is an entitlement for all learners, must address diversity and reflect issues relating LGBTI young people or children with LGBTI parents. Our ‘Getting it right for every child’ policy is embedded in the Children and Young People’s (Scotland) Act 2014 (TSO, 2014), which has wellbeing at its core, aims to realise our children and young people’s rights to be, nurtured and responsible, active and achieving, safe and healthy and respected and included. Our new school inspection framework (Education Scotland, 2015) includes quality indicators on ‘Personalised Support’ and ‘Ensuring Wellbeing, Inclusion and Equality’. The Standards for Registration from the General Teaching Council for Scotland requires teachers to commit to ‘the principles of democracy and social justice through fair, transparent, inclusive and sustainable policies and practices in relation to age, disability, gender and gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation’. The policy does not mean that our LGBTI youngsters do not encounter issues, however it does mean we have a sound platform from which to continue developing the appropriate support to ensure they feel fully included in school and society. Each area in Scotland takes their own approach to addressing LGBTI issues. Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board has developed a successful approach to enacting this policy respectfully with regard to sexual diversity in its RSHP programme. Relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) curricula introduce LGBT issues in upper primary school as part of teaching about diverse family structures. Across the secondary curricula there are specific lesson plans on LGBT issues supporting young people to actively challenge discrimination. A mainstreaming approach underpins issues affecting all young people, e.g. communicating in relationships, learning about consent etc. This ensures that scenario-based work includes examples with same sex couples as well as opposite sex couples. Home activities augment classroom-based, which encourages discussion with parents and carers. Teaching staff undertakes specific training on delivering. All probationer teachers receive training on RSHP. Many local authorities have staff policies on RSHP providing guidance on LGBT issues including supporting LGBT young people coming out and addressing bullying.

Education Scotland (2015). How good is our school, 4th edition. Livingston: Education Scotland. Available: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/HGIOS4_tcm4-870533.pdf [14 January, 2016] TSO (2014). Children and Young People’s (Scotland) Act 2014. Norwich: TSO. Available: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2014/8/contents/enacted [14 January, 2016].