INCLUSIVE education to stamp out homophobic bullying in schools should be mandatory in classrooms across the country, a Glasgow MSP has said.

Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan SNP MSP has asked the education Secretary, John Swinney if teachers should be required to undergo training on the issue.

Mr McKee supported the Time for Inclusive Education campaign and said the current situation meant that because there is no requirement for individual schools to deliver inclusive education, some schools do and some schools don’t.

He said: “Will the Scottish Government advise us whether there are plans to rectify that and ensure that all schools deliver an LGBT-inclusive education?”

Mr Swinney said the government’s aspiration was that in every school there is the capability to ensure LGBTI issues are dealt with.”

Earlier, at an Education Committee hearing, Ann Grant head teacher at Shawlands Academy in Glasgow explained why her school delivered inclusive education.

She said:” We have to respond to the needs in our schools. At Shawlands anti-racism is embedded.

“LGBT issues is something we decided we needed to do.

She added: “As society changes schools have to be able to respond to that.”

Ross Greer Scottish Greens MSP and education committee member said resources were required in schools to address discrepancies in inclusive education.

He raised findings of the TIE campaign, which found most teachers have never used or heard of government-funded guidance designed to tackle homophobia.

He said: “It's clear that Personal and Social Education is out of date and overlooked in many areas. Addressing homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and mental health issues is hugely important. If we're serious about giving every young person the chance to do well, we must provide the time and space that teachers need.

"By investing in more staff to reduce class sizes, by cutting teacher workload and by ensuring adequate provision for Additional Support Needs we can support teachers so they can provide safe and happy learning environments."

Labour and members also backed the campaign.

Monica Lennon, Labour inequalities spokeswoman, asked the Education secretary and his ministers to back the TIE campaign.

Mr Swinney said he and the Scottish Government was determined to do all it can to support young people affected by prejudice and bullying.