Welcome to this resource collection, developed by the West Partnership’s Early Years Specialist Network Group to support the implementation of high-quality play pedagogy in schools.

Extensive international research highlights that play is essential for a child’s learning and development, particularly for those aged eight and under. Engaging in play significantly benefits a child’s physical health and cognitive growth, fostering key skills in areas such as language, literacy, mathematics, and social behaviour. These resources are designed to align with the Scottish Government’s vision of nurturing play to support every child’s wellbeing and resilience.

To assist leaders in developing effective play strategies, we have built a bank of “bite-sized” videos featuring Head Teachers from East Dunbartonshire and North Lanarkshire. These videos address ten frequently asked questions, including; What is your vision for play and who was involved in creating that? What tools support you?  How do you ensure continuity? and offer practical guidance for implementing play-based learning in Primary 1 and beyond. Regardless of where you are in your journey, these resources are here to help you and your team improve experiences and outcomes for all children.