NEW Scottish Government guidance to help schools better support transgender children and young people has been published.

The extensive document contains real-life examples from transgender pupils, best practice and advice for teachers and schools.

The guidance covers a wide range of issues known to impact trans young people such as bullying, safety and privacy, as well as advice for educators on how to approach a child coming out, changing their name and toilets and bathroom spaces.

According to the document, in 2019 there were 697,989 pupils in Scotland's public schools, and around 200 young people each year receive support from the Young Person's Gender Service with their transition.

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The guidance is non-statutory, so isn’t legally enforceable, and is for both primary and secondary schools.

The advice was developed from Supporting Transgender Young People, guidance published by LGBT Youth Scotland in 2017.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, who wrote a foreword to the guidance, said: “Pupils are happier and learn more at school when they feel safe, respected and included.

“We know transgender young people can face many issues in schools and that teachers and staff must have the confidence and skills to support their mental, physical and emotional health.

“This guidance outlines how schools can support transgender young people while ensuring that the rights of all pupils are fully respected. It provides schools with practical suggestions. The guidance is not prescriptive and does not promote transitioning.”

According to the advice document, research carried out with around 700 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) young people in Scotland showed 82% of transgender young people had experienced bullying in school on the grounds of being LGB or T.

And, 68% of trans young people who had experienced bullying said that it negatively affected their educational attainment, while only 24% of LGBT young people would feel confident reporting transphobia in school.

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Of those interviewed for the research, 27% of trans young people said they left education as a result of homophobia, biphobia or transphobia in the learning environment.

One part of the guidance reads: “In general, being alert to gender stereotypes and being aware that not every child will identify as the sex they were assigned at birth, will help create an environment in which all young people can flourish.”

The document provides guidance on bullying and safety, coming out, changing name, recorded sex and pronouns, toilets and changing rooms, school uniform and a wide variety of situations where trans children may need support.

The National:

The guidance is for both primary and secondary schools

However, the report also takes into account private spaces for boys and girls within schools, such as bathrooms and changing rooms.

Carrie Lindsay, President of the Association of Directors of Education Scotland, said: "ADES welcomes any resource that helps give schools information and advice about how they can ensure an inclusive school ethos and environment for all of our children and young people."