Nursery World - Yes, minister

Scotland's education minister has endorsed moves to put play back into learning at school entry - but will schools and teachers be ready for it? Simon Vevers reports The move towards more play-based learning in Primary 1 in Scotland is gathering momentum with a further ministerial stamp of approval, a flurry of pilots in local authorities and a broadly enthusiastic response from teachers, pupils and parents in the areas where it has been introduced.

The move towards more play-based learning in Primary 1 in Scotland is gathering momentum with a further ministerial stamp of approval, a flurry of pilots in local authorities and a broadly enthusiastic response from teachers, pupils and parents in the areas where it has been introduced.

The process of re-establishing play as a key component in learning was given further impetus in late December, when education minister Hugh Henry said he wanted local authorities to have reviewed or be reviewing their approach to P1 education by August when the new academic year begins.

He told the Herald newspaper, 'One of the things I am particularly concerned about is the tendency in Scotland to start the formal education process at too young an age.' He said he wanted to see a more gradual transition from nursery to primary school.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included