School grounds can afford opportunities for pupils and the wider school community to interact with peers through leisure and play, connect with nature, enhance mental wellbeing and be physically active, and facilitate learning across the curriculum. Is this potential being realised in Scotland today?
In research led by Professor John McKendrick in partnership with Learning Through Landscapes and NatureScot, we surveyed over 1,000 schools across all 32 local authority areas about how they are using their grounds.
Their responses showed that:
15% of schools have lost outdoor space in recent years.
Nearly half of schools consider their grounds as ‘low utility’ for supporting learning, play, and sport.
38% of schools have fewer than five trees, limiting opportunities for nature connection.
Climate change is already affecting school grounds: schools are reporting increased flooding, overheating, and high winds that restrict outdoor use.
Read the full report hereEvery child should be able to experience a range of play and nature opportunities at playtimes. Scotland’s Play Vision Statement 2025-2030 recognises that play is integral to a child’s healthy development, learning, physical and mental wellbeing.
We welcome the findings of this report and the progress it highlights over the past twenty years. It is clear from the findings that much more change is needed to deliver children’s right to play at playtime.
We are calling on all schools to develop plans with their staff, pupils, and parents to expand their active play and nature spaces.
The research and report replicated and developed the 2005 national survey of school grounds in Scotland.
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