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Curriculum for Excellence
13/07/2010
Nursery pupils are benefiting from Curriculum for Excellence and the play-based approach to learning in the crucial early years of their lives, according to Education Secretary Michael Russell.
Speaking during a visit to the Meadows Nursery School in Stirling, Mr Russell stressed the importance of a single coherent curriculum covering all pupils from 3 to 18. He said the benefits were already being seen in nurseries through play-based learning approaches that stimulate and interest our youngest pupils.
Action to improve the early years of children's lives is a key priority for the Scottish Government because evidence shows that every pound invested during the formative years of a child's life, saves the taxpayer up to £7 later on.
Mr Russell said:
"The education our youngest pupils receive at nursery can set them up for a life of learning that's enjoyable, inspiring and rewarding. For the first time in Scottish education, Curriculum for Excellence sets out an agreed approach to learning covering young people from 3 - 18.
"In nursery this means our youngest pupils starting to build literacy skills through word based games or perhaps beginning to understand team work skills through group-based play. As I've seen today at the Meadows Nursery School, this approach is being embraced in nurseries as enthusiastically as it is in primary schools.
"This can only benefit our youngest pupils as they start on their learning journey and I am pleased that all pupils across Scotland, from nursery, through primary and secondary school will now be reaping the benefits of this."
The Scottish Government's innovative Engage for Education site allows users to read blogs from Ministers, post comments and get involved in workshops on issues relating to education.