Scotland's Play Vision Statement
& Action Plan
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On the 24th of March 2025, the Scottish Government released their strategy for supporting play in Scotland between 2025-2030. The plan's aim is:
"that play is welcomed, celebrated and nurtured. That every child is able to play across all stages and aspects of their life to support their social development, resilience, language and communication development, health, physical and mental wellbeing."
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The Launch Event
Smart Play Network was thrilled to be invited by the Scottish Government to attend the launch event with our PlayTalkRead Programme. At the event, we hosted the First Minister and families aboard Benji the bus and our storytelling tent. The children and First Minister made an excellent and engaged audience for the Penguin Huddle story!
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The Play Vision Plan's Aims & Objectives
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Improve and strengthen baby box programme.
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Support families & practitioners by promoting the importance of play for brain & child development.
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Improve support for programmes that work with Early Childhood Development.
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Support the Health Visitor programmes & NHS initiatives working with young children.
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Improve access to quality guidance and information for parents & practitioners.
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Support the provision of free & low-cost play opportunities in communities across Scotland.
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Address and mitigate barriers to play.
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and many more actions!
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In summary, working with communities, local governments, health services, the third sector, and families to ensure children across Scotland have improved access to play and have a greater understanding of the value of play.
The Play Vision Statement & Action Plan
The Scottish Government website has the full document online to read, along with copies of accessible PDF posters to share with families and children. Links can be found below:
The Action Plan & Smart Play Network
The Scottish Government's commitment to improving access to play for children across Scotland over the next 5 years is fantastic and welcome, one that mirrors our own aims and values. Smart Play Network remains committed to supporting play across Scotland through:
Our Network:
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​Supporting our network of over 400 organisations and practitioners across Scotland to play via resources, training opportunities, news, networking, & advice. ​
Our Projects:
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Promoting sustainable and low-cost play for children and families across Scotland.
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Support families to engage with play in new ways and to use stories and reading as avenues to engage in play.
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Our Training:
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Supports practitioners across Scotland to build the confidence and skills to deliver sustainable and low-cost play outdoors.
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Supports primary schools and nurseries to use play as a way to engage children and to understand that outdoor play is a great way to support child development.