Eyemouth Primary School has become the first school in mainland Scotland to achieve the Play Scotland Play Pedagogy Award.
The award recognises the schools commitment to children's voices, the right to play and embedding play pedagogy throughout the school.
About the award
The award was formally presented during a whole-school celebration at the school by Fiona Kirkland, Head of Services at Play Scotland.
The Play Pedagogy Award recognises schools that successfully embed play-based approaches to learning and teaching, helping children develop confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and wellbeing through meaningful play experiences.
Eyemouth Primary School was one of Play Scotland's pilot schools and has demonstrated a strong commitment to children's voices.
Councillors, education representatives and invited guests joined pupils and staff to celebrate the achievement, including Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning, and John Lamont MP.
Councillor Julie Pirone, Executive Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning
"This is a fantastic achievement for Eyemouth Primary School and recognition of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by pupils, staff and the wider school community. To be the first school on mainland Scotland to receive this award is something everyone connected with the school should be immensely proud of.
"Play is an important part of children's development and learning. The work taking place at Eyemouth Primary School demonstrates how creating opportunities for meaningful play can enhance learning, wellbeing and engagement across the curriculum."
Fiona Kirkland, Head of Services at Play Scotland
"We're absolutely delighted to celebrate Eyemouth Primary School as the first school in mainland Scotland to achieve the Play Scotland Play Pedagogy Award.
“As one of our pilot schools, Eyemouth has shown a fantastic commitment to children's voices, their right to play and embedding play pedagogy from Primary 1 to Primary 7. It's a wonderful achievement for the whole school community.”
Further information
The award recognises the work undertaken by pupils, staff and the wider school community to place play at the heart of learning and school life. Play Scotland described the achievement as a significant milestone and praised the school's commitment to ensuring children have a voice in shaping their learning experiences.
The celebration marked an important moment for the school and highlighted the positive impact that play-based learning can have on educational outcomes, wellbeing and inclusion.
The school also wanted to recognise the commitment and enthusiasm across the teaching, support staff and wider school community to achieve the Play Pedagogy Award and this was recognised in the assembly which was all about the value of teamwork
Photographs taken at the celebration can be viewed on Our Flickr page.