Parents get involved in Stay, Play and Learn

A childcare trial encouraging parents to stay, play and learn with their children has been praised by Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald.

The 2 Stay, Play and Learn trial, gives parents the chance to stay and take part in activities such as crafting, role play, construction and story time alongside their children, as a way of encouraging and supporting their learning and development.

Parents also have the option of participating in adult learning opportunities, with the guidance and support of a qualified early years staff team.

Running at Kirkhill Primary School and soon to be offered at Manor Park Learning Centre in Aberdeen, the trial forms part of the Scottish Government’s drive to near double ELC provision and to look at new and different models which fit the needs of parents and children.

It has been developed in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Early Years Scotland (EYS).

During a visit to Kirkhill Primary to learn more about the success of the trial, Mr McDonald said:

“It has been fantastic to see this trial in action and to see parents really getting involved in playing and having fun alongside their children - we know that encouraging children’s learning in this way is key to closing the attainment gap.

“We are committed to ensuring this type of high quality early learning and childcare is available to parents across Scotland and by exploring a range of delivery models we will be better able to understand what parents and children need and want.”

Background

• The 2 Stay, Play and Learn trial at Kirkhill Primary began in March 2017 and is supported by £39,000 of Scottish Government investment.
• The trial is based on the existing model of Stay and Play delivered by Early Years Scotland and focuses on parental engagement to achieve positive outcomes for children.
• Unlike existing services for eligible two year olds where a general period of settling in is planned, the model offers parents the opportunity to stay and play.
• The service will be offered 4 days per week, 50 weeks of the year.

14 trials are currently on-going across Scotland and the Scottish