The Play Pedagogy Award
Begin your school's play journey
Whole-school framework by Play Scotland, working closely with Education Scotland, embedding play pedagogy in Scottish primary schools.
Expert mentoring, resources, & a community of educatorsA flexible 2-3 year framework designed for real classroomsGovernment-endorsed, aligned with Curriculum for ExcellenceA growing network of 40+ Scottish schools
Baltasound Junior High
Carntyne Primary
Dunnikier Primary
Kinneil Primary
Strathmore Primary
Whitecross Primary
Eyemouth Primary
St Andrew's Inverclyde
Our Lady of The Missions PrimaryBaltasound Junior HighCarntyne PrimaryDunnikier PrimaryKinneil PrimaryStrathmore PrimaryWhitecross PrimaryEyemouth PrimarySt Andrew's InverclydeOur Lady of The Missions Primary
Why Teachers Choose the Play Pedagogy Award?
Resources
Practical frameworks, templates, and guides (P1-P7)
So you spend less time searching, more time implementing
Support
Expert mentoring + bi-monthly community meetings
So you have both guidance & accountability
Recognition
National accreditation + Play Scotland visibility
So your work is seen and celebrated
0% have seen children
more confident about coming to school, improving attendance.
0% of schools
report staff confidence in play pedagogy has increased.
0% teachers
say play pedagogy has improved participation for children with additional support needs.
Testimonials
“It has brought the whole staff together with a shared understanding and consistency of approach.”
Eyemouth Primary
“The Award gave us the confidence to embed play beyond P1 and to see its value right through the school.”
St Stephen's Primary
“It has made a huge difference to our planning. We start with the child's curiosity and build from there.”
Elphinstone Primary
“The mentoring support helped us reflect deeply and recognise what we were already doing well.”
St Andrew's Primary
“It has transformed how we talk about learning. Play is not a bolt-on, it is how we teach.”
St Columba's Primary
The Award
The Award adapts to your school's context, shaped by your learners, values, and community. It costs £950 per school and includes expert mentoring, all resources, and connection to a network of Scottish schools. Many schools use school improvement budgets or local authority grants. Payment can be split into two instalments, and we'll discuss options during your discovery call.
The Award is valid for three years, with reaccreditation to showcase your continued impact.
1. Plan
(3–6 months approx.)Start with a self-evaluation to map strengths and set next steps across leadership, pedagogy, environment, community, and professional learning.
2. Play
(12–18 months approx.)Put your plan into action, embedding play pedagogy and gathering evidence of change, impact and pupil voice.
3. Present
(when your school is ready)Share your school's unique journey, celebrate progress, and receive national recognition as a Play Pedagogy Award school.
Yes, this Award can be for your school too!
If you are a Scottish primary school (P1- P7) of any size or stage, this award is designed with you in mind.
It supports your curriculum goals while promoting inclusivity for all learners.
It recognises your school's achievements and fits into the work you're already doing.
It aligns with national priorities including Curriculum for Excellence, GIRFEC, UNCRC, HGIOS, and Realising the Ambition
News
Discover the latest stories, insights, and resources from Play Scotland, and hear directly from schools and educators about embedding play pedagogy.
You can also learn about the importance of play for child development using this Podcasts link.
Podcasts