Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don has welcomed £900,000 in new funding for staff to tackle poor behaviour and attendance in schools.

The money from the Scottish Government will be provided directly to local authorities to train support staff to respond to new challenges and develop behaviour management strategies in schools post-Covid.

It comes as part of a multi-year plan that is being developed in conjunction with key stakeholders and will set out actions at national, local and school level to improve behaviour and support better relationships.

The actions include:

  • the new Interim Chief Inspector being tasked with ensuring HMI inspections are accurately recording behaviour to ensure any issues are tackled as soon as possible
  • a call for more accurate and robust recording of any incidents of poor behaviour in schools
  • a dedicated approach to responding to issues regarding misogyny

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Ms Don, of the SNP, said: "Thousands of head teachers, teachers and support staff recently had a chance to share their views on pupil behaviour and relationships, whereby many reported generally good behaviour amongst pupils.

"However, the report noted a deterioration in some pupils' behaviours since the last research carried out in 2016, which is why the Scottish Government is setting out a national plan that will provide the support necessary to help tackle these problems at the root.

"It is important that our schools are safe and consistent learning environments for all – both pupils and staff. No one should face violence or abusive behaviour at work."