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Available in paperback from Postcards from Scotland

BUY THE PAPERBACK

Always the Cinderella of the education system, the significance of early years has been seriously under-estimated. Play is the Way brings together leading practitioners, policy-makers and academics to explain how a coherent approach to early years – centred on positive relationships and play – will not only result in better educational performance but in greatly improved health and well-being for future Scottish citizens. They challenge the deeply-ingrained cultural acceptance, throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK, that formal instruction in the three Rs (reading, ’riting and ’rithmetic) should begin at the age of four or five – at least a year before other European countries.

Play Is the Way offers both penetrating analysis and an agenda for action. It challenges the Scottish Government to review official thinking on the best age to start formal education, and argues that the foundations for ‘closing the attainment gap’ need to be laid early.

Professor Walter Humes, University of Stirling

We need a transformation – even a kind of revolution – in how we think about education, what it is and who it is for. This powerful and enlightened book is the launch pad to make that change.

Dr Gerry Hassan, co-editor, ‘Scotland after the Virus’

As a parent I instinctively knew that outdoor play is what my children need to thrive. This book has given me the evidence and rationale. An essential read for all parents and early years practitioners.

Merlin Planterose, Chair, Kinder Croft CIC Outdoor Nursery, Ullapool