Speaking during a Ministerial Statement on mobile phones and behaviour and relationships in school, Martin Whitfield MSP questioned the Cabinet Secretary on the challenges faced by care-experienced pupils.

The South Scotland MSP referenced the Scottish Government’s recently published “Education Outcomes for Looked after Children 2022/23” report, which shows that care-experienced pupils face significant challenges in achieving academic success.

Mr Whitfield asked the Cabinet Secretary to confirm that the Government has details of the risk profile of this group and how these young people will be able to feed into the new guidance on mobile phones in schools and the joint action plan on relationships and behaviour in schools.

Speaking after the statement, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Yesterday I questioned the Education Secretary in Parliament about the significant challenges faced by care-experienced pupils and how this group relates to the Scottish Government’s new guidance. 

“The Government must take steps to ensure their needs are prioritised and their rights are upheld in the new guidance.”