A complementary framework
How does ESAS build on work schools are already doing? 
Equally Safe at School (ESAS) provides a comprehensive and overarching framework which enables schools to bring together all the work they are doing to address gender-based violence (GBV) into one place. We work extensively with schools and other partners to ensure that the ESAS intervention complements and enhances other approaches being taken to prevent sexual and gender-based violence in schools.
The tools and resources available via the ESAS website support secondary schools to implement many aspects of national guidance, including the Preventing and Responding to Gender Based Violence: A Whole School Framework and the Equally Safe Delivery Plan.
We support schools to understand how existing student education programmes like the Mentors in Violence Prevention Programme, Relationship, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) curriculum, Improving Gender Balance and Equalities Programme, and the Rape Crisis National Sexual Violence Prevention Programme contribute to a whole school approach and how ESAS tools can be used to ensure a holistic approach to curriculum delivery.
You can read more about the resources and programmes and how ESAS complements them:
Equally Safe in Practice
You may have heard about a programme called Equally Safe in Practice (ESiP.) ESiP is a workforce development framework led by Scottish Women’s Aid which aims to equip the Scottish workforce with knowledge, understanding and the tools necessary to improve responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG) and ensure safe and positive outcomes for women, children and young people.
ESiP offers education professionals who are not school-based, such as local authority education staff, an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and develop a shared understanding of gender-based violence. This can enhance local strategic support and help create a more coordinated approach to supporting schools participating in ESAS.
Find out how the unique approaches of ESAS, ESiP and Equally Safe at Work complement one another, supporting Scotland’s Equally Safe strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.
Equally Safe at Work
Equally Safe at Work is an employer accreditation programme led by Close the Gap, that supports organisational and institutional change, enabling public and third sector employers to strengthen workplace practices, promote gender equality, and prevent violence against women.
By engaging with Equally Safe at Work, local authorities can improve employment practices and support for school and education staff through robust policies, support systems, and reporting pathways. Additional guidance available through the ESAS website can help schools and local authorities support staff affected by gender-based violence and promote safer workplaces.
Find out how the unique approaches of ESAS, ESiP and Equally Safe at Work complement one another, supporting Scotland’s Equally Safe strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.
Primary school
Equally Safe at School (ESAS) has been developed for and with secondary schools. Given the importance of taking an age-and-stage-appropriate approach to the subject matter of gender-based violence (GBV), it is not recommended for primary schools.
These alternative resources will support primary schools to promote gender equality and lay the foundations for preventing GBV:
- The Improving Gender Balance and Equalities Programme includes resources for practitioners including primary schools
- The ‘Gender 10’ toolkit was developed by East Ayrshire Council Health and Wellbeing Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, and East Ayrshire Women’s Aid, to provide guidance and practical examples of how to use a whole school approach to embed gender equality into school policy, ethos and the curriculum.
- The national resource for Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) Education for children and young people provides a comprehensive set of learning activities for use in all settings, including primary schools.
