Relationships and Behaviour Action Plan – Welcomed by SSTA
The Scottish Government published the Relationships and Behaviour Action Plan in August 2024. The 3-year action plan was developed by the Scottish Advisory Group on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools (SAGRABIS) Improving relationships and behaviour in schools: ensuring safe and consistent environments for all Joint action plan 2024 – 2027
As part of the action plan the following documents have been published.
- Gender based violence
- Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools
- ‘Respect for All’ – Anti-Bullying
- Restraint and seclusion
As part of the next stage of the action plan on the 17 June the Government published Fostering a Positive, Inclusive and Safe School Environment guidance (the ‘consequences’ guidance) and the Violent, Aggressive and Dangerous Behaviour Risk Assessment guidance.
- “Fostering a Positive, Inclusive and Safe School Environment guidance”.
- “Guidance on risk assessments for violent, aggressive and dangerous behaviour”
The SSTA met with Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary Education and Skills on 18 June and welcomed the developments in the action plan. As it ensures a national approach to pupil behaviour in schools. The SSTA emphasised for the action plan to be successful it was important that additional professional support in schools such as school counsellors, school nurses, school social workers, etc. as an essential component and must be provided for all secondary schools. The SSTA pushed for protected Government funding for this purpose and for the additional staffing not to be left to the discretion of local authorities.
Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities – Education Scotland
The SSTA has been working with Education Scotland’s Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities team to meet the evolving needs of learners and educators. The team has asked that we circulate the following message and survey.
In order to continue strengthening our support and driving positive outcomes, we are inviting you to complete a short, 10-minute questionnaire. Your insights will directly inform how we shape future support for learners and practitioners across Scotland, helping us better align with the needs of the system. We would be grateful if you could consider taking part in our short questionnaire, to ensure Scottish education system’s vision of achieving equity and excellence for all learners.
Please follow the link to the questionnaire for Educational Practitioners (frontline, middle and senior system leaders).
The questionnaires will close on the 30 June 2025.
SPPA – Teacher Pension Benefit Statements
The SPPA has been busy attempting to complete the ‘Remedial Service Statement (RSS)’ for those members who have service prior to April 2022. To ensure you receive your benefit statement or any communications regarding your pension you must ensure you are registered with the SPPA. It is recommended that you check your details and use your personal email address.
Members who have started since April 2022 will be members of the CARE scheme and should normally receive your benefit statement in September.
To register and check your details please go to https://pensions.gov.scot/teachers
Expected High Temperatures
With the expected high temperatures in the next few days, members may find the ‘Heating Regulations and Ventilation‘ section from the SSTA Health and Safety Handbook useful. If you require specific advice, please contact SSTA HQ at info@ssta.org.uk.