Upstart Scotland

Glasgow City Council's new education boss is being praised for rolling back screen-use in schools. John McGhee's been appointed executive director of education. The former teacher has effectively banned tablet and mobile phone use in nurseries and will limit their use in primaries. The move's being welcomed by families, and campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood.

Currently working as a headteacher or manager in an ELC setting? Want to work with our ELC team on national priorities? Then come and join us as Early Learning and Childcare Education Scotland Associate! Apply by 31 May: ow.ly/mY1n50Z2zLl

@UpstartScot Totally... sadly for some it doesn't get started - not necessarily through a lack of care but through a lack of 'child literacy'? Agree love and play are an infant's literacy...

Lots of agonising about Broken Britain. Look east. Finland is world's happiest country 9 years running AND in top 10 most income equal. Affordable kindergarten & school at 7 = happiest kids & best results. Film plus Q&A - Thurso Weds 20th & Stromness 25th lesleyriddoch.com/events

With only 3 weeks to go until International Day of Play, we're thrilled to see how many of you are getting involved! We would love to know how you're celebrating! Let us know in the comments! 👇 Don't forget to register if you haven't already: playscotland.org/international-…

Of course all literacy achievement begins in infancy. Loving care for babies/toddlers, inc talking/singing to/with them; telling stories, sharing nursery rhymes; as time goes on reading story books. But it doesn't start by aiming at literacy. It starts by sharing love & play.

11-16 May is Scottish Childminding Week! Among the many ways childminders provide vital support, they also play a crucial role in fostering play-based learning, enabling the child's right to play. A well-designed play environment supports children’s:

Eleven years ago today Upstart started tweeting! #MyXAnniversary

How are you planning on incorporating the #InternationalDayofPlay into your school day this June? Two ways are to make extra time for play at lunch, or play a Stay & Play after school. 🤸‍♀️ What are you planning on doing? playscotland.org/international-…

Researchers at the Open Uni are undertaking a piece of research to provide evidence to help MPs, Peers, LAs, and education settings understand why families are choosing elective home education or flexi-schooling, understand existing processes, & to shine a light on best practice.

Jings! All Scotland's political parties' attitude to 'childcare' misses the point. If we want society to thrive, we have to provide the two essential ingredients for healthy development. They are LOVE and PLAY. This isn't rocket science. It's the science of human development.

Reform in Scotland has absolutely no policy on childcare. This is recording of @UpstartScot hustings where Reform candidate said there’s no mention of childcare because it’s complicated and they haven’t figured out a policy yet. Jings. youtu.be/S2qJrSZl3ZY?si…

Brilliant idea! Hope to see lots of old (and young) friends there! @KateJohnston3 @JonoLesley @GiveTimeScot @tam_baillie @connect_scot @CameronSprague2 lanternhousearts.org/events/book-fe…

This Friday afternoon. Lots of thought provoking talks. eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-…

A developmentally-appropriate kindergarten stage 3-7 is good for all children's physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. AND it cd help so much with the NEET problem... @KateJohnston3 @JonoLesley @QMUniversity @WestLoCollege @fultonsnp @Ross_Greer @agcolehamilton

Research in Finland found that simply changing what children play on can quickly influence their immune system. Scientists redesigned parts of nursery playgrounds by swapping gravel and asphalt for natural forest materials, soil, moss, leaf litter, and native plants, so kids would be exposed to the microbes found in nature. After just 28 days, clear biological differences emerged. Children who played in these “rewilded” spaces developed a richer mix of microbes on their skin and in their gut. They also showed higher levels of regulatory T-cells, which help the body manage inflammation and reduce the risk of immune overreactions like allergies. These changes were not observed in children who stayed on conventional playground surfaces. The findings support the biodiversity hypothesis, the idea that limited contact with natural environments, especially in urban life, may be linked to rising allergies and autoimmune conditions. What stands out is how simple the intervention was. This wasn’t extreme outdoor exposure-just everyday play in a more natural setting. Even small, regular contact with soil and vegetation appears to shape the body’s internal ecosystem and how the immune system develops. Learn more: "Dirty Playgrounds: How Rewilding Finnish Schools Transformed Children's Health." LettsSafari

If you're nearby, it's well worth a visit...

Open Morning 10.30 to 12.30 tomorrow, 25th April 2026. Come and see this unique and characterful nursery school. Call 02086924041 to book a place, visit our website rachelmcmillannursery.co.uk to book OR just turn up tomorrow morning.

9 am 5-5-26. OECD discussion of literacy/numeracy AND overall child development at 5yrs old. Sounds unmissable to me... meetoecd1.zoom.us/webinar/regist… @KateJohnston3 @JonoLesley @GiveTimeScot @suzannezeedyk @Zoezebra @LesleyRiddoch

Wow! Excellent new guidance from UK govt on screen time guidance for ages 0-5. Great summary below from @newstart_2024