Schools - improving relationships and behaviour: progress report 2025

Introduction

As part of the Programme for Government 2024-25, the Scottish Government committed to reporting annually on progress towards delivery of the Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan 2024-27.

The progress report has been developed in partnership with COSLA and members of the Scottish Advisory Group on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools (SAGRABIS). This reflects the joint ownership of the plan between Scottish Government and COSLA and the oversight provided by SAGRABIS. All members of SAGRABIS share the ambition of improving relationships and behaviour in schools, and a collective commitment to act in support of the implementation of the plan.

Context to this report

The development of the Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan 2024-27 (“the action plan”) was informed by the Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research (“BISSR”) 2023, evidence gathered from representative organisations and individuals through the relationships and behaviour in Scottish schools summits, the Headteachers Task Force, and professional organisations’ surveys.

This evidence showed that while most children are well behaved most or all of the time, there has been an increase in behaviour, including disruptive behaviour and physical and verbal aggression, requiring a constructive response in order to ensure positive learning environments for all. There was also a recognition of the complex picture underpinning the trends in behaviour and that responses to behaviour should recognise the wider needs of children and young people. This included the impact of issues such as trauma, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other pressures such as the impact of austerity and the cost-of living crisis on mental health and wellbeing, and other areas such as attendance. There has also been an increase in the number of pupils identified with additional support needs. The action plan therefore takes a holistic approach to reinforcing and improving relationships and behaviour.

Summary of Progress

The action plan sets out 20 actions, under 8 themes, to be delivered by March 2027. This is the first progress report, covering activity between November 2023, when the development of the action plan was announced, and March 2025.

In total, activity has been undertaken under all of the 20 actions.

Given the three-year timeframe of the plan, some actions are not yet scheduled to have commenced or span multiple years of the plan. This progress report therefore details activity that has been completed that contributes to the overall delivery of each action. Where activity is underway but not yet completed, progress that has been made is highlighted within the report.