News

A rise in shortsightedness has been blamed on young people getting too little daylight.  Full article

Thanks to a generous donation from a supporter who wishes to remain anonymous, Inspiring Scotland have established a new Fund to offer seed-corn investmentto develop innovative approaches for the creation of a new generation of outdoor early learning and childcare (ELC) settings. 

Funding will be available for 12 to 18 months to support the establishment of new outdoor ELC settings.

This Fund is intended to target areas of very high deprivation where there is a clear need for ELC provision.

Full information can be found here

A nursery where children built a car out of old tyres and recycled wood is among the inaugural winners of a new awards scheme to boost the quality of childcare.  Full article

The growth in outdoor nurseries has been hailed as a hugely beneficial step in getting children away from computer and TV screens and into the great outdoors – whatever the weather.  Full article

The Community Play Fund, aimed at supporting childhood health and wellbeing through play, is now open for applications.

Outdoor play improves childhood health and wellbeing, helps to raise attainment and aspiration, thereby addressing inequality and improving the life chances of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families. The Community Play Fund will provide financial and development support to eligible Scottish charities delivering outdoor play-based interventions for children.

Essential application criteria Applications for up to £35,000 will be considered although the average award is likely to be less than this.

Full details can be found here

The Scottish Government is seeking views on how best to incorporate the UN’s ‘gold standard’ for children’s rights into Scots Law and improve the lives of children and young people.

Full details can be found here

The consultation runs until 14 August 2019.  

British children spend half the time their parents did playing in the street. But some campaigners are fighting back against a culture that is keeping kids from exercising their right to play.  Full article

A new induction pack has been launched for people working in early learning and childcare (ELC). 

The pack – aimed primarily at new staff – will help them understand how to get funding for further qualifications, the legal requirements for working in childcare and where to get information and support throughout their career.  Full article

Full details on this year’s Playday theme can be found here

New website from Scottish Government, link here