Scotland has become the first country in the world to embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive education across the school curriculum.
Focused on promoting equality, reducing bullying and improving the educational experiences of LGBT children and young people, subjects across age groups will now include LGBT identities, issues and history.
Support to help schools deliver this includes:
- A website where school staff, parents, carers, children and young people can access information to support LGBT children and young people.
- A basic awareness e-learning course for education staff on LGBT inclusive education.
- A toolkit of LGBT inclusive education teaching resources.
Parents, teachers, young people and LGBT organisations helped to develop the website, e-learning course and teaching resources.
Commenting, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Children and Young People, Clare Haughey said:
“I am proud to say that Scotland is leading the way as the first country in the world to embed LGBT inclusive education right across the curriculum. By doing so, we can help young people to reach their full potential and flourish in a diverse and inclusive society.
“The launch of this ground-breaking suite of resources for schools takes us another step forward in ensuring that our curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools.
“The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA [Convention of Scottish Local Authorities], is determined to provide a fully inclusive education for Scotland’s children and young people.”
COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson, Councillor Stephen McCabe added:
“Improving inclusion in our schools is a priority for local government.
“We welcome the materials published today, which will assist schools, teachers and education staff to drive this important agenda forward, ensuring all children and young people receive the support they need.”
An LGBTI Inclusive Education Working Group was established in 2017 to improve LGBT young people’s learning experience and to address bullying and discrimination.
The group made 33 recommendations, which the Scottish Government has accepted in full.
The LGBT Inclusive Education Implementation Group, jointly chaired by COSLA and Scottish Government officials, is taking forward those recommendations.
