Category: Getting it Right for Every Child

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UP, UP and AWAY!

Since August 2025, staff in centre have been familiarising themselves with the Up, Up and Away document. This resource is part of the CIRCLE (Child Inclusion Research into Curriculum Learning & Education) framework, and has been created to support early years education in Scotland, by providing strategies to support the development of literacy in our little learners.

In January 2026 we will be introducing this resource into centre, focusing on our environment and using the audit tools and guidance to ensure we are creating a space which supports & promotes literacy development to the highest standards.

Here we have created a short video to explain the ‘Literacy Caterpillar’  and the components that this is made up of.

Up, Up & Away! Literacy Caterpillar

 

Also links to: Up, Up and Away – Literacy Caterpillar, Why is literacy important?, What is Literacy?

 

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Up, Up and Away – Literacy Caterpillar

Introducing the Literacy Caterpillar

 

Environment  We look at the space in our early years centre, both inside and out, to make sure we have resources out for the children that make them curious to explore and learn. For example, a variety of stories, puppets, mark making and small world. These are all resources that help develop early literacy skills. 

Routine We have a structure and rhythm throughout the day within centre, such as together times, lunch times, snack times & time for children to play freely. This helps the children feel more secure in the awareness of what is coming next, supporting the development of skills for confident individuals/learners.

Motivation  Recognising what children are interested in and using this as a vehicle for learning. For example, whilst observing children in centre we identified that there was a high interest in animals, therefore we based our group learning experiences on exploring the animal kingdom, supporting the children’s natural interests whilst promoting deeper learning. 

Skills The key skills referred to within the Up, Up and Away framework are motor, communication, thinking & relationship skills. In centre we are helping children to develop these skills through play! We believe that play is the universal language of children and as such, every child is included in learning. 

What is Literacy?

Why is Literacy Important?

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Why is literacy important?

Literacy is one of the cornerstone to success to life. Being able to read and write (and communicate successfully) is essential for engaging in education and in other areas of life (for example, in employment and personal relationships)

A significant number of adults have very low levels of literacy and, without adequate literacy skills, are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health, unemployment and involvement in crime.

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