East Dunbartonshire Council’s ‘Play 2 Learn’ project has been shortlisted for the Most Inspiring or Innovative Project Award at this year’s Quality Improvement Awards for its bold approach to early years learning.
The project is designed to encourage a seamless transition from nursery to school and focuses on child-led play. It was devised to ensure that children learn and develop through active approaches which build on skills and learning approaches within the early years.
Studies show that child-led play is natural and healthy for children and this project has been very successful in removing potential barriers for children, giving them greater feelings of inclusion and improving their overall wellbeing.
The introduction of ‘Play 2 Learn’ has increased creativity and attainment and most importantly, it has allowed an equitable approach to engaging children in the curriculum.
The Council’s Convener of Education, Councillor Mohrag Fischer, is pleased this innovative project has been recognised by judges at the Quality Improvement Awards.
She said, “This quality improvement work takes a bold step towards embracing creative ways of working and bringing practice into line with what children do naturally – learning through play. It has had such a positive impact on the children who were in the four pilot schools* that it is being rolled out across all P1 classes, and has already been taken into Primary 2 and 3 stages in some schools.”
Councillor Fischer continued, “Congratulations must go to all of the staff involved in being shortlisted for such a prestigious award and I wish them every success when the winners are announced at the Glasgow Science Centre next month.”
*The four pilot schools were Baljaffray Primary in Bearsden; Bearsden Primary; Colquhoun Park Primary in Bearsden; and Hillhead Primary in Kirkintilloch.
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