Question reference: S5O-01302
- Asked by: Gordon Lindhurst, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 20 September 2017
-
Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 27 September 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that schools are safe environments for pupils.
Answer
The safety of our children and young people in school is of paramount importance and any violence towards staff or pupils is unacceptable. We are actively working with schools and local authorities to tackle serious disruptive behaviour and violence.
Early years experiences, positive parenting and the experiences of having good healthy, respectful relationships all play a key role in reducing violence.
Since 2009, we have provided over £3 million of funding to the No Knives, Better Lives initiative, which is available to all local authority areas in Scotland. It educates young people about the dangers and consequences associated with carrying a knife and encourages positive life choices away from violence.
In June we published our refreshed national guidance - Included, Engaged and Involved Part 2: A Positive Approach to Preventing and Managing School Exclusions, which provided guidance on managing incidents involving weapons in schools.