Education, Children and Young People Committee
Guidance on Supporting Transgender Young People in Schools
Letter from Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to Convener Education, Children and Young People Committee
Dear Convener
I am writing to make the Committee aware of the publication of new guidance for education authorities and schools on Supporting Transgender Young People in Schools. The guidance supports education authorities and schools through the provision of advice on legislation, guidance and policy, in order to improve educational outcomes for children and young people who are Transgender.
Research has shown that Transgender young people have poorer experiences at school than other pupils. They experience significantly more bullying, are likely to have poorer mental health and wellbeing, and do not achieve similar educational outcomes as their peers. This guidance, which is available from www.gov.scot/isbn/9781802011852, will support those in schools to better support young people who are considering transitioning or who have taken the decision to transition.
This work has been subject to Equality Impact Assessment and Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment. These are available from www.gov.scot/isbn/9781802011845 and www.gov.scot/isbn/9781802011838 respectively.
I hope that this information is helpful to the Committee.