Fiona - Play Scotland
@fiplayscotland.bsky.social
Play Pedagogy Lead @Play Scotland. Championing children’s right to play in Scotland, inspiring & supporting educators to embrace play-based learning in schools. MEd student, bookworm, and cake lover. ❤️ All views my own! 🙈🙉🙊
Lang may yer lum reek! Here’s to good people, big laughs, wee giggles and getting through the messy bits together!
Wishing you all a cracking Hogmanay and a kinder, calmer 2026, slàinte 🥂✨
Wishing you all a cracking Hogmanay and a kinder, calmer 2026, slàinte 🥂✨
December 31, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Lang may yer lum reek! Here’s to good people, big laughs, wee giggles and getting through the messy bits together!
Wishing you all a cracking Hogmanay and a kinder, calmer 2026, slàinte 🥂✨
Wishing you all a cracking Hogmanay and a kinder, calmer 2026, slàinte 🥂✨
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year. A huge thank you to playworkers and everyone across the play sector for the care, commitment & energy that goes into keeping children safe, healthy & loving life, at Christmas & all year round. #ScotEduSky #EduSky
December 24, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year. A huge thank you to playworkers and everyone across the play sector for the care, commitment & energy that goes into keeping children safe, healthy & loving life, at Christmas & all year round. #ScotEduSky #EduSky
Delighted to be asked to chat about play with the brilliant Dr Aaron Bradbury on his podcast. Had a really honest, down to earth conversation about why play matters in children’s lives #EduSky #ScotEduSky #playmatters #earlychildhood #EYSky#EarlyYearsSky#earlyyears
open.spotify.com/episode/6mz0...
open.spotify.com/episode/6mz0...
Play Talk Radio - Play Scotland Fiona Kirkland
open.spotify.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Delighted to be asked to chat about play with the brilliant Dr Aaron Bradbury on his podcast. Had a really honest, down to earth conversation about why play matters in children’s lives #EduSky #ScotEduSky #playmatters #earlychildhood #EYSky#EarlyYearsSky#earlyyears
open.spotify.com/episode/6mz0...
open.spotify.com/episode/6mz0...
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
“Play is as natural to children as breathing. It is a universal expression of children, and it can transcend differences in ethnicity, language, or other aspects of culture.”
Charles Schaefer and Athena Drewes:
Charles Schaefer and Athena Drewes:
December 16, 2025 at 3:13 PM
“Play is as natural to children as breathing. It is a universal expression of children, and it can transcend differences in ethnicity, language, or other aspects of culture.”
Charles Schaefer and Athena Drewes:
Charles Schaefer and Athena Drewes:
Cherie has done so much to strengthen the link between people, place and play across Scotland, and she will be really missed at Play Scotland. A brilliant appointment for PAS!
We're delighted to welcome Cherie Morgan as our new Chief Executive, joining us in Feb 2026.
With nearly 30 years in the third sector, Cherie brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, inclusive participation, and placemaking.
🔗 Full announcement: www.pas.org.uk/news/chief-executive/
With nearly 30 years in the third sector, Cherie brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, inclusive participation, and placemaking.
🔗 Full announcement: www.pas.org.uk/news/chief-executive/
Welcome to our new Chief Executive - Planning Aid Scotland
Planning Aid Scotland is pleased to announce that Cherie Morgan will be joining as Chief Executive in the new year.
www.pas.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Cherie has done so much to strengthen the link between people, place and play across Scotland, and she will be really missed at Play Scotland. A brilliant appointment for PAS!
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
The best school leaders and teachers have several things in common, says author Liz Wiseman. “They create an environment where people want to learn and contribute. They ask good questions and they spotlight people’s good work.”
Here’s how. 🏫
#SchoolLeaders #Principals #EduSky
Here’s how. 🏫
#SchoolLeaders #Principals #EduSky
How to Harness the Multiplier Effect as a Principal
Talent development expert Liz Wiseman tells us how principals can bring out the best in everyone on their staff—and avoid being a diminisher, who does the opposite.
edut.to
December 11, 2025 at 9:34 PM
The best school leaders and teachers have several things in common, says author Liz Wiseman. “They create an environment where people want to learn and contribute. They ask good questions and they spotlight people’s good work.”
Here’s how. 🏫
#SchoolLeaders #Principals #EduSky
Here’s how. 🏫
#SchoolLeaders #Principals #EduSky
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Whole class area and perimeter lesson, that saw 30 pupils work together to build a floor plan for a castle, before creating an artists impression on their devices - loved it! #outdoorlearning
December 11, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Whole class area and perimeter lesson, that saw 30 pupils work together to build a floor plan for a castle, before creating an artists impression on their devices - loved it! #outdoorlearning
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
"Excellent training, I have attended a lot of play training in the past, but this was one of the best for networking and useful guidance"
Our 2026 training courses are now open for booking!
They can fill up quickly, so please book your space in plenty of time: buytickets.at/playscotland
Our 2026 training courses are now open for booking!
They can fill up quickly, so please book your space in plenty of time: buytickets.at/playscotland
December 3, 2025 at 12:08 PM
"Excellent training, I have attended a lot of play training in the past, but this was one of the best for networking and useful guidance"
Our 2026 training courses are now open for booking!
They can fill up quickly, so please book your space in plenty of time: buytickets.at/playscotland
Our 2026 training courses are now open for booking!
They can fill up quickly, so please book your space in plenty of time: buytickets.at/playscotland
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
For years, Treasure Baskets have been used in exploratory play in Early Years settings, but what is the history behind them? 💡
Inventor, Elinor Goldschmied, was a pioneering educator whose ideas influence Early Years policy and practice in the UK and internationally with her innovative thinking.
Inventor, Elinor Goldschmied, was a pioneering educator whose ideas influence Early Years policy and practice in the UK and internationally with her innovative thinking.
November 27, 2025 at 11:40 AM
For years, Treasure Baskets have been used in exploratory play in Early Years settings, but what is the history behind them? 💡
Inventor, Elinor Goldschmied, was a pioneering educator whose ideas influence Early Years policy and practice in the UK and internationally with her innovative thinking.
Inventor, Elinor Goldschmied, was a pioneering educator whose ideas influence Early Years policy and practice in the UK and internationally with her innovative thinking.
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Scotland's Highlights 2025: Scotland's Play Vision Statement and Action Plan was launched!
A world-leading plan to support every child's right to play in Scotland through three domains of parents, practitioners, and place.
#ScotlandHighlights2025
A world-leading plan to support every child's right to play in Scotland through three domains of parents, practitioners, and place.
#ScotlandHighlights2025
November 28, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Scotland's Highlights 2025: Scotland's Play Vision Statement and Action Plan was launched!
A world-leading plan to support every child's right to play in Scotland through three domains of parents, practitioners, and place.
#ScotlandHighlights2025
A world-leading plan to support every child's right to play in Scotland through three domains of parents, practitioners, and place.
#ScotlandHighlights2025
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
“the child’s right to health and development cannot be satisfied without also the fulfilment of their right to play.”
Whitaker and Tonkin (2024) Play and Health in Childhood
Whitaker and Tonkin (2024) Play and Health in Childhood
November 27, 2025 at 1:22 PM
“the child’s right to health and development cannot be satisfied without also the fulfilment of their right to play.”
Whitaker and Tonkin (2024) Play and Health in Childhood
Whitaker and Tonkin (2024) Play and Health in Childhood
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
🎄✨ One month to go until Christmas! ✨🎄
Before you start wrapping (and unwrapping!) this festive season, take a moment to think about the perhaps best toy of all... the cardboard box! 📦
👉 www.playscotland.org/the-best-toy...
Before you start wrapping (and unwrapping!) this festive season, take a moment to think about the perhaps best toy of all... the cardboard box! 📦
👉 www.playscotland.org/the-best-toy...
November 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM
🎄✨ One month to go until Christmas! ✨🎄
Before you start wrapping (and unwrapping!) this festive season, take a moment to think about the perhaps best toy of all... the cardboard box! 📦
👉 www.playscotland.org/the-best-toy...
Before you start wrapping (and unwrapping!) this festive season, take a moment to think about the perhaps best toy of all... the cardboard box! 📦
👉 www.playscotland.org/the-best-toy...
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
We love hearing from our PPA schools 🥰
"The lead inspector was very complimentary about play in our setting. She told me it is good to see play being done properly and a lot of that is down to what I am learning through our award journey."
Find out more 👇
www.playscotland.org/schools-chil...
"The lead inspector was very complimentary about play in our setting. She told me it is good to see play being done properly and a lot of that is down to what I am learning through our award journey."
Find out more 👇
www.playscotland.org/schools-chil...
November 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
We love hearing from our PPA schools 🥰
"The lead inspector was very complimentary about play in our setting. She told me it is good to see play being done properly and a lot of that is down to what I am learning through our award journey."
Find out more 👇
www.playscotland.org/schools-chil...
"The lead inspector was very complimentary about play in our setting. She told me it is good to see play being done properly and a lot of that is down to what I am learning through our award journey."
Find out more 👇
www.playscotland.org/schools-chil...
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Are you booked for our Risky Play Training?
Book your place now to learn:
🤔 What is risk–benefit assessment, and how it supports informed decision-making
⚖️ How to adopt a balanced, thoughtful approach to risk in your setting
www.tickettailor.com/events/plays...
Book your place now to learn:
🤔 What is risk–benefit assessment, and how it supports informed decision-making
⚖️ How to adopt a balanced, thoughtful approach to risk in your setting
www.tickettailor.com/events/plays...
November 19, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Are you booked for our Risky Play Training?
Book your place now to learn:
🤔 What is risk–benefit assessment, and how it supports informed decision-making
⚖️ How to adopt a balanced, thoughtful approach to risk in your setting
www.tickettailor.com/events/plays...
Book your place now to learn:
🤔 What is risk–benefit assessment, and how it supports informed decision-making
⚖️ How to adopt a balanced, thoughtful approach to risk in your setting
www.tickettailor.com/events/plays...
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Looking forward to the discussion at #Urban95 Glasgow Child Friendly City Summit on #WorldChildrensDay to see how a city that works for children is a city that works for everyone #Article31 #moreplayplease #playeveryday
November 20, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Looking forward to the discussion at #Urban95 Glasgow Child Friendly City Summit on #WorldChildrensDay to see how a city that works for children is a city that works for everyone #Article31 #moreplayplease #playeveryday
The new data on boys from low-income families in England is really striking. It’s a reminder of how important those early years are & why children need rich environments & warm, responsive adults from the very start. #ScotEduSky #EduSky #EY #EarlyYears #GIRFEC
NEW | The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind
📖 Read our latest report from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social @nehaldavison.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind
📖 Read our latest report from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social @nehaldavison.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The new data on boys from low-income families in England is really striking. It’s a reminder of how important those early years are & why children need rich environments & warm, responsive adults from the very start. #ScotEduSky #EduSky #EY #EarlyYears #GIRFEC
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
A how to for the greatest mini lesson you could ever deliver…honest ⚽️🏴
November 19, 2025 at 7:59 PM
A how to for the greatest mini lesson you could ever deliver…honest ⚽️🏴
Had the loveliest time presenting at the Bright Start Conference in London, made fab new connections and there was so much interest in Play Scotland’s work on play pedagogy and the PPA from Norway, the USA and beyond. Feeling energised and very excited!
November 15, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Had the loveliest time presenting at the Bright Start Conference in London, made fab new connections and there was so much interest in Play Scotland’s work on play pedagogy and the PPA from Norway, the USA and beyond. Feeling energised and very excited!
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Children know best what makes their local spaces great for play! 🏞️
Engaging them through #PlaySufficiencyAssessments helps create playful, inclusive communities.
Explore our guide 👉 www.playscotland.org/playful-comm...
Engaging them through #PlaySufficiencyAssessments helps create playful, inclusive communities.
Explore our guide 👉 www.playscotland.org/playful-comm...
November 13, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Children know best what makes their local spaces great for play! 🏞️
Engaging them through #PlaySufficiencyAssessments helps create playful, inclusive communities.
Explore our guide 👉 www.playscotland.org/playful-comm...
Engaging them through #PlaySufficiencyAssessments helps create playful, inclusive communities.
Explore our guide 👉 www.playscotland.org/playful-comm...
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Time spent playing outdoors has declined 50% in a generation.
That’s half the joy, half the adventures, half the memories.
Play isn't just fun, it is essential for healthy child development 💚
That’s half the joy, half the adventures, half the memories.
Play isn't just fun, it is essential for healthy child development 💚
November 11, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Time spent playing outdoors has declined 50% in a generation.
That’s half the joy, half the adventures, half the memories.
Play isn't just fun, it is essential for healthy child development 💚
That’s half the joy, half the adventures, half the memories.
Play isn't just fun, it is essential for healthy child development 💚
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Simple, flexible and purposeful whole class activity for developing mental agility 🙌
November 10, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Simple, flexible and purposeful whole class activity for developing mental agility 🙌
Only a few tickets left for Play Pedagogy for Primary Schools online training this Tuesday! Join Alex and I for an inspiring session exploring how play connects theory & classroom practice, with loads of ideas to spark curiosity, creativity & inquiry in learning. 🎟 buytickets.at/playscotland/1808677
Buy tickets – Introduction to Play Pedagogy for Primary School (2 part training) – Teams
Introduction to Play Pedagogy for Primary School (2 part training) – Teams, Tue 11 Nov 2025 - 🎓 Embark on a Journey into Play Pedagogy Theory
Join us for a dynamic two-part training series designed to...
buytickets.at
November 9, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Only a few tickets left for Play Pedagogy for Primary Schools online training this Tuesday! Join Alex and I for an inspiring session exploring how play connects theory & classroom practice, with loads of ideas to spark curiosity, creativity & inquiry in learning. 🎟 buytickets.at/playscotland/1808677
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
The Froebel workshop with Catriona Campbell & Caitlin Thomlinson was fantastic! Catriona reminded us that “communication unlocks the curriculum,” and Caitlin shared her brilliant block play research showing how deep learning unfolds through time, space & trust. #PlayPedagogy #Froebel
November 9, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The Froebel workshop with Catriona Campbell & Caitlin Thomlinson was fantastic! Catriona reminded us that “communication unlocks the curriculum,” and Caitlin shared her brilliant block play research showing how deep learning unfolds through time, space & trust. #PlayPedagogy #Froebel
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
The Froebel session with Donna Green & Shirley Couser on slow pedagogy was a beautiful reminder to slow down & be truly present. Learning unfolds best when we create time & space for curiosity, reflection & connection. #SlowPedagogy #PlayPedagogy
November 9, 2025 at 10:49 AM
The Froebel session with Donna Green & Shirley Couser on slow pedagogy was a beautiful reminder to slow down & be truly present. Learning unfolds best when we create time & space for curiosity, reflection & connection. #SlowPedagogy #PlayPedagogy
Reposted by Fiona - Play Scotland
Fiona, our Play Pedagogy Lead, attended the Froebel Conference, it began with an inspiring keynote from Catriona Gill on seeing, unfolding, flourishing, being & belonging. She reminded us that when we create the right conditions children flourish & that inclusion isn’t a policy, it’s a way of seeing
November 8, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Fiona, our Play Pedagogy Lead, attended the Froebel Conference, it began with an inspiring keynote from Catriona Gill on seeing, unfolding, flourishing, being & belonging. She reminded us that when we create the right conditions children flourish & that inclusion isn’t a policy, it’s a way of seeing