FOI Request - Statutory Powers for Teaching of LGBTQ+

Request 101003223795 

Per FOISA please provide me with information contained in your records as follows:

1. Please provide statutory powers and legislation that gives your local authority education and Schools per Curriculum for Excellence, the legal authority to teach LGBTQ+ to children age 16 and under, in schools that fall within your council area?

2. Please advise at what age or equivalent nursery/Primary year/High School year that LGBTQ+ teaching commenced throughout your local council schools?

Response 10-02-2023

1.  All schools follow the Scottish Government RSHP programme – there is not explicit lessons around LGBTQ+. It does mention that families comprise of different combinations – mum+dad, only mum, only dad, other family members, carers, dad+dad and mum+mum.

If individual children raise questions regarding LGBTQ+ then this is dealt with separately, sensitively and privately as schools are aware that some parents have concerns about their children receiving teaching about this.

In secondary schools, this will look differently due to more individuals identifying as different genders etc., but again they are following the national programme.

In Moray there has not been an agreement on what LGBTQ+ programme will be taught. This is still very much part of the discussion and wider consultation to be had with the Equalities and Diversity Group leading, and also working alongside the Northern Alliance groups and Education Scotland group, to ensure that it is appropriate and meets the needs. Any programme will have a parental consultation and would have to be approved by the LNCT.

2. Any ‘teaching’ would be in secondary school, where the context has identified a need and in line with national guidance.