Early Level Play Pedagogy Toolkit

Published 17/12/2019.  Last updated 13/04/2026
sourceLearning resources

This interactive toolkit contains four sections:

  • why play?
  • why play pedagogy?
  • the learning environment: considering interactions, experiences and spaces
  • moving forward, and
  • further resources and reading

How to use this resource

Reflective questions are embedded throughout this interactive toolkit. When using the toolkit in general, please consider the following reflective questions:

  • What is my understanding of the current Early Level policy and guidance landscape in relation to play pedagogy?
  • How do I use self-evaluation, research and evidence to inform and improve my practice?

There is also a helpful, ‘how to use this toolkit’ section included on the contents page of the toolkit.

The toolkit

Additional Resources

The Early Years Framework sets out a vision for early years services in Scotland to ensure that children get ‘the best start in life’.

Realising the Ambition - this refreshed early years national practice guidance for Scotland presents key information about the characteristics of child development based on research and evidence.

Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) builds on the solid foundations developed in the critical years pre-birth to three. Within CfE, children are entitled to a broad general education from age three until the end of S3. The early level of CfE for most children spans the period of time from age three until the end of Primary 1. It supports a smooth transition in learning between ELC and primary school.

Early Level Play Pedagogy Toolkit

Published 17/12/2019.  Last updated 13/04/2026
sourceLearning resources

This interactive toolkit contains four sections:

  • why play?
  • why play pedagogy?
  • the learning environment: considering interactions, experiences and spaces
  • moving forward, and
  • further resources and reading

How to use this resource

Reflective questions are embedded throughout this interactive toolkit. When using the toolkit in general, please consider the following reflective questions:

  • What is my understanding of the current Early Level policy and guidance landscape in relation to play pedagogy?
  • How do I use self-evaluation, research and evidence to inform and improve my practice?

There is also a helpful, ‘how to use this toolkit’ section included on the contents page of the toolkit.

The toolkit

Additional Resources

The Early Years Framework sets out a vision for early years services in Scotland to ensure that children get ‘the best start in life’.

Realising the Ambition - this refreshed early years national practice guidance for Scotland presents key information about the characteristics of child development based on research and evidence.

Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) builds on the solid foundations developed in the critical years pre-birth to three. Within CfE, children are entitled to a broad general education from age three until the end of S3. The early level of CfE for most children spans the period of time from age three until the end of Primary 1. It supports a smooth transition in learning between ELC and primary school.