Schools

Play isn’t just fun—it’s a vital learning tool that promotes emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. By incorporating play into your school, you can:

• Enhance Learning and Creativity: Play encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative expression. It supports the development of new ideas and concepts, helping children grasp difficult subjects in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.

• Support Mental Health and Well-being: Play provides children with the opportunity to express themselves, cope with challenges, and reduce stress. It helps children build resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills, all of which are crucial for their overall well-being.

• Foster Collaboration and Communication: Through group play, children learn how to work as a team, communicate effectively, and understand diverse perspectives. These skills are crucial for their future success, both in school and beyond.

• Create a Positive and Inclusive Environment: Play helps build inclusive, supportive communities where all children feel valued, regardless of their background or abilities.

“We know how babies and children learn best. They learn best in an environment of quality interactions, interesting spaces and when the experiences on offer are set in meaningful contexts. They learn best in environments that inspire them to be curious and creative.”

Realising the Ambition, Education Scotland

Explore the pages below to find the resources and projects that will help your school unlock the full potential of play.