Scottish Government

BETTER BEHAVIOUR: PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR IN SCOTTISH SCHOOLS

POLICY NEWS

National Review of Guidance

The National Review of Guidance is nearing completion, with a report expected in the autumn of 2004. Research conducted to support the review shows the quality of support provided to pupils in Scottish schools is a strong basis for renewing commitment to the care and welfare of pupils as well as supporting their learning. The vision of guidance first established in 'More than Feelings of Concern' is at the core of future provision of pupil support and guidance, and the review will provide a framework within which authorities will develop locally relevant approaches and support schools to continue their work to integrate support in schools.

Bullying Competition Success

Partners joined the Scottish Executive in developing an anti-bullying competition, designed to involve children in late primary and early secondary in producing entries that will be used by the Scottish Executive to help issue a new set of national materials on the theme of tackling discrimination.

Around 2,500 art and literature entries from 29 authority areas were submitted. Many class teachers of primary 6 and 7, and Secondary 1 and 2 had clearly made great efforts to involve children in considering bullying and discrimination, and in some schools whole year groups made entries. There were prizes for the best entries nationally, as well as a prize-winner for each local authority area.

The national winners are:

Anti-Bullying Commitment

Many stakeholders around Scotland have contributed their views in a needs assessment exercise, helping the Scottish Executive to plan for the future of anti-bullying services in Scotland. Also, Childline Scotland was supported to extend its bullying helpline earlier this year.

The Anti-Bullying Network continues its programme of support to authorities and schools, and recent national conferences show many practitioners continue to value discussion and ideas to help them develop a positive ethos in their schools.

Review of Collection of Data on Incidents of Violence in Schools

Following national concern at the quality of data on incidents of violence in schools, Peter Peacock, Minister for Education and Young People, called for a review of ways to collect accurate and informative data representing levels of indiscipline. The review is underway, with advisors Pamela Munn of University of Edinburgh, and Jim Martin, former president of the EIS.