Play at Whinhill

At Whinhill we believe that all children and should have the opportunity to play every day.  Research shows that play is important for the early stages of brain development and develops skills for learning, life and work. Play Pedagogy is a way of including children’s play experiences with the curriculum, giving pupils the opportunity to develop their problem solving skills and supports the development of social skills and collaboration. It engages children in meaningful activities, learning about themselves and others, and encourages independence and motivation to learn.

“We know how 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

 

During play at Whinhill, children follow their own ideas and interests. It is important that children have the freedom to choose how and when they play. Play can happen indoors and outdoors in natural spaces. There are many benefits to play including enhanced wellbeing, building resilience, developed problem solving skills and improved relationships with others. Play experiences also develop children’s imagination and creativity, increase language skills and improve concentration.

“In school, play pedagogies should be planned to meet the diverse range of children’s needs, acknowledging that most children start school as competent learners, while still needing opportunities to discover, to investigate and to be creative learners through play.”

Realising the Ambition, Education Scotland

As a Rights Respecting School, we ensure our children and young people have a right to play as stated in Article 31. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child should have:

“The right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.”

For more information about Scotland’s National Play Strategy, please follow this link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/play-strategy-scotland-vision/pages/3/