@playscotland.bsky.social
The national expert in play for parents, policymakers and the play workforce Email: info@playscotland.org #PlayEveryday https://linktr.ee/playscotland
"Excellent training, I have attended a lot of play training in the past, but this was one of the best for networking and useful guidance"
Our 2026 training courses are now open for booking!
They can fill up quickly, so please book your space in plenty of time: buytickets.at/playscotland
We're putting the finishing touches to our last newsletter of the year!
Sign up as a member to receive the latest play news straight into your inbox, along with a great discount on training courses.
playscotland.org/about/member...
Scotland's Highlights 2025: Scotland's Play Vision Statement and Action Plan was launched!
A world-leading plan to support every child's right to play in Scotland through three domains of parents, practitioners, and place.
#ScotlandHighlights2025
βthe childβs right to health and development cannot be satisfied without also the fulfilment of their right to play.β
Whitaker and Tonkin (2024) Play and Health in Childhood
πβ¨ One month to go until Christmas! β¨π
Before you start wrapping (and unwrapping!) this festive season, take a moment to think about the perhaps best toy of all... the cardboard box! π¦
π www.playscotland.org/the-best-toy...
three children delightedly looking at a worm
We love hearing from our PPA schools π₯°
"The lead inspector was very complimentary about play in our setting. She told me it is good to see play being done properly and a lot of that is down to what I am learning through our award journey."
Find out more π
www.playscotland.org/schools-chil...
"we should never be so old as merely to watch games instead of playing them"
β Historian and philosopher Will Durant
Looking forward to the discussion at #Urban95 Glasgow Child Friendly City Summit on #WorldChildrensDay to see how a city that works for children is a city that works for everyone #Article31 #moreplayplease #playeveryday
20.11.2025 09:51 β π 1 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
Are you booked for our Risky Play Training?
Book your place now to learn:
π€ What is riskβbenefit assessment, and how it supports informed decision-making
βοΈ How to adopt a balanced, thoughtful approach to risk in your setting
www.tickettailor.com/events/plays...
One week left to apply to join our board!
We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience of:
πΆ working with children and young people
π» IT and websites
πΌ HR or management
π΅οΈ policy & research
π£οΈ comms
Closing Friday 21 November
www.playscotland.org/join-our-boa...
Children know best what makes their local spaces great for play! ποΈ
Engaging them through #PlaySufficiencyAssessments helps create playful, inclusive communities.
Explore our guide π www.playscotland.org/playful-comm...
Pleased to be attending a seminar at the Observatory of Childrenβs Human Rights to discuss how we can make the Childrenβs Rights Scheme work for children in Scotland #UNCRC #Article12 #Article31
12.11.2025 09:54 β π 1 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
Time spent playing outdoors has declined 50% in a generation.
Thatβs half the joy, half the adventures, half the memories.
Play isn't just fun, it is essential for healthy child development π
The Froebel workshop with Catriona Campbell & Caitlin Thomlinson was fantastic! Catriona reminded us that βcommunication unlocks the curriculum,β and Caitlin shared her brilliant block play research showing how deep learning unfolds through time, space & trust. #PlayPedagogy #Froebel
09.11.2025 10:51 β π 5 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
The Froebel session with Donna Green & Shirley Couser on slow pedagogy was a beautiful reminder to slow down & be truly present. Learning unfolds best when we create time & space for curiosity, reflection & connection. #SlowPedagogy #PlayPedagogy
09.11.2025 10:49 β π 6 π 1 π¬ 0 π 1
Fiona, our Play Pedagogy Lead, attended the Froebel Conference, it began with an inspiring keynote from Catriona Gill on seeing, unfolding, flourishing, being & belonging. She reminded us that when we create the right conditions children flourish & that inclusion isnβt a policy, itβs a way of seeing
08.11.2025 14:42 β π 12 π 5 π¬ 0 π 1
Fiona, our Play Pedagogy Lead, attended the Froebel Conference, it began with an inspiring keynote from Catriona Gill on seeing, unfolding, flourishing, being & belonging. She reminded us that when we create the right conditions children flourish & that inclusion isnβt a policy, itβs a way of seeing
08.11.2025 14:41 β π 3 π 2 π¬ 0 π 0
Inclusive play equipment doesnβt just open up the park - it opens up the world.
It says:
π You belong here
π€ You matter
π You have a right to play too
Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in their play spaces.
www.playscotland.org/playful-comm...
π£οΈ ποΈ New podcast episode: Leanne Sweaton & Play Pedagogy
Leanne is a Principal Teacher with 25 years of experience. Play has revolutionised her practice. Her work has been spotlighted by HMiE and Education Scotland and she has spoken nationally on this topic.
www.spreaker.com/episode/50-l...
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π Happy Halloween from Play Scotland!
This is a hugely playful time of year with costumes, games, and make-believe.
π» Scary stories or activities help build confidence and resilience.
π§ Fancy dress and playing pretend encourage children to use their imagination
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world" - Albert Einstein
Play gives children the opportunity, time, and space to explore their imaginations and develop their creativity!
Join our board! Board of Trustees Vacancies at Play Scotland
We are seeking to grow our Board with passionate new volunteers bringing diverse skills and experience.
Send us your CV and a short cover letter by Friday 21 November to apply:
www.playscotland.org/join-our-boa...
𧩠Discover the transformative potential of Loose Parts Play
Our online training covers:
π Theory and principles
βοΈ Manage risk in a safe way
π οΈ Creative, practical ideas
Don't forget to use your member's code to get 10% off at checkout!
Book your place now: www.tickettailor.com/events/plays...
Nature Play Survey π
Dr Alex Barrable and her team at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh are looking to find out about parents' perception of nature play. If you are a parent of a child between 2-11 please take 10 mins to fill in the survey.
app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/qmu/play-r...
Are you looking forward to Bonfire Night?
Check out our play ideas and risk guidance that we created with Scottish Fire and Rescue
www.playscotland.org/resources/pl...
How do we take a common-sense approach to risk in play?
Watch our new video about the Benefit-Risk Approach
The opportunity to face challenges is vital for healthy child development
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdDm...
We were delighted to host Faith Breads as our summer volunteer!
She did a fantastic job supporting us with communications, events like the Playday campaign, and focus group research with children and young people.
Read all about what Faith got up to in her blog: www.playscotland.org/faith-breads...
Delighted to be along with our delivery partners ScrapAntics on a great autumn π day for play at Whitfield Community Garden. Here til 2pm if you can get down to #playeveryday #playmoreplease
14.10.2025 11:52 β π 3 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
βAn abundance of toys present reduced quality of toddlersβ play.β - Having fewer toys can lead a young child to focus and engage in more creative, imaginative play.
That's according to research from the University of Toledo in Ohio.
What do you think? π
