Background: Preschool physical education has been largely unexplored by researchers. This article examines the meaning of the term "physical education", in relation to preschool contexts, to 14 practitioners working at three preschool settings in Scotland. Our focus on preschool physical education reflects a change in the language…

This large-scale study describes what children know and can do when they start school in Scotland. The description became possible because a third of Scottish Authorities are involved in a single, broadly based, on-entry baseline assessment of children. The study also looked at variations by home background, sex, age and pre-school experience…

Every opportunity should be taken to communicate research findings both inside and outside government programs and make them accessible to policy makers, teachers, lecturers, parents, and employers. The "Interchange" series aims to further improve the Educational Research Unit's (ERU) dissemination of the findings of research funded by…

Giving particular attention to the Lothian Region (Scotland) Preschool Educational Home Visiting Scheme, the author argues that such programs may be a gross interference in the lives of those concerned and that, far from teaching better mothering, home visitors may inhibit it by making mothers feel powerless and incompetent. (SJL)

Written for preschool educators, this paper discusses the evaluation of the Craigroyston Community High School Under-Fives Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was intended that the report be accessible to anyone involved in center-based work with preschool children and their families. It was assumed that an explanation of evaluation procedures used…

A survey was conducted in Scotland's Lothian region to ascertain views on education provision for children under age 5. Subjects were over 400 nursery nurses, more than 1,100 parents, and staff members, at 175 nursery schools. The research questions covered six areas: (1) background information on parents and children; (2) benefits of nursery…

This report presents the findings of a major study of preschool provision in Scotland. Part 1 of the report sets the context for the project, clarifying its aims, providing information on relevant issues, and discussing the research questions addressed. Part 2 presents the findings arising from the various methods used to collect evidence.…