In Scotland there are different stages of education. Children can access early learning and childcare from a young age then move on to primary school and then secondary school.
Early learning and childcare (ELC) is a term used to describe the range of early education and childcare available in Scotland today. The term ELC emphasises that the care and education of very young children are not two separate things. Babies, toddlers and young children learn all the time from their experiences.
ELC settings are all those which offer education and childcare to children up to school age. These include settings known as family centres, nursery schools, nursery classes attached to primary schools, and childminders. ELC settings can be operated by local authorities, private businesses, voluntary sector organisations, and in the case of childminders, self-employed individuals.
Education Scotland has some more information about Early Learning and Childcare (ELC).
You can try our Moving On To Nursery questionnaire. This will give you activity ideas to develop some of the skills needed to join in at nursery.
In Scotland children usually start primary school when they are aged between 4½ and 5½ years old. Your child will be at primary school for seven years before moving on to secondary school.
Your child will receive a rounded education at an early learning and childcare setting, through primary school and until the end of S3.
The broad general education is divided into five curriculum levels. Most children at primary school will be learning at the early, first or second level. However, this is a general guide: your child will progress at their own pace through the curriculum levels. The curriculum is flexible to allow for careful planning for those with additional support needs.
Education Scotland has some more information about Primary School.
The secondary school curriculum has two distinct phases: the broad general education (S1-S3) and the senior phase.
The broad general education, (S1-S3) offers experiences that build on the skills and knowledge developed during primary school.
It is important to remember that your child will progress at their own pace. The curriculum is flexible to allow careful planning for those with additional support needs.
At the end of the broad general education, your child will be supported in planning a course of study through the senior phase. The senior phase provides scope for more specialised study and gaining qualifications.
Education Scotland has some more information about Secondary School.
Parenting Across Scotland has a downloadable booklet Top 10 Tips on Starting High School.
There are a number of things to consider around participation in education:
