Children would not start primary school until age seven under a plan by the Scottish Greens.
The party wants to set up a new age 3-6 kindergarten stage in early years education, which would be play based learning and led by qualified kindergarten teachers
Greens want the initiative based on the Finnish model which they say avoids “negative attitudes to learning” which it said can often develop when children are pushed into formal education environments before they are ready.
The approach, which would see learning undertaken through ‘creative play’ rather than ‘formal learning’, is claimed to improve children’s wellbeing and educational outcomes later in their school career.
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The party said Scotland is an outlier compared to most other developed nations when it comes to school starting ages, with children as young as four and a half starting formal primary school.
Gillian Mackay Scottish Green Party co-leader said: “Learning doesn’t just happen behind a desk. In fact, that's the worst place for young children to be. Play-based learning is far better for them and for their education. That is why the Scottish Greens would establish a kindergarten stage for three to six year olds and raise the primary school starting age to seven.
“Scotland is an international outlier in how early we make our children start school, with some beginning as young as four and a half. The evidence is absolutely overwhelming that play-based learning in a kindergarten is far better at that age.
“The best performing education systems in Europe take a different approach to Scotland. They allow young children to explore the world around them with a focus on social skills, learning outdoors, play, and emotional development. The result is happier, healthier children who have a far more positive attitude to learning throughout the rest of their time at school.
She said Finland has higher education and wellbeing outcomes than Scotland and put it down, partly, to the later start to primary education.
The idea is part of the Greens education plans ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, which also includes a proposal to scrap homework and exams.
Mackay added: “We can learn from successful countries like Finland, who recognise that it’s not natural for young children to be sitting at desks or learning in formal settings. Teachers across Scotland know this already and have been trying to adapt early primary school to meet this reality, but only a full system change will do.
“Play-based learning in a kindergarten is great for the health and wellbeing of children. It sets them up well for making the transition to a more formal school setting when they are a bit older. That’s why the Scottish Greens will deliver a kindergarten stage modelled on our most successful European neighbours.”
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