New learning opportunities with Open Kindergarten

What is Open Kindergarten?

The Open Kindergarten programme is a Scotland-wide learning and development initiative designed to help early years professionals strengthen their support for families with young children. Delivered by Children in Scotland in partnership with Parenting Across Scotland and Midlothian Sure Start, the programme is funded through the Scottish Government’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund.

Based on a model widely used in Nordic countries, Open Kindergarten provides universal, holistic support for families with children in their early years. The approach focuses on creating welcoming, non-stigmatising environments where parents, carers and children can access support without referrals or formal barriers.
The programme also highlights the importance of early intervention. Through accessible, low-cost support, families can receive help before challenges escalate, while early years practitioners are equipped with the skills needed to foster warm, supportive and inclusive environments.

What’s happened so far?

The project formally began in 2018 with a feasibility study led by Parenting Across Scotland, Children in Scotland and the University of Stirling. The study found that Open Kindergartens could better meet parents’ support needs, strengthen peer networks, enhance workforce skills and provide a sustainable model for improving outcomes for children and families.

Building on these findings, a pilot was delivered in Edinburgh and Midlothian between 2019 and 2020. Free drop-in sessions and community outreach activities supported families with children aged 0 to 3, helping to reduce social isolation, increase parenting confidence and promote children’s wellbeing. An independent evaluation by the University of Stirling concluded that the model filled a gap in Scotland’s early years support provision and had a positive impact on both parents and children.

In 2024, the project entered its next stage of development, expanding delivery into new communities across the Lothians. This phase tested the model in different settings and developed a range of resources, including training, e-learning and implementation guidance, to support wider adoption of the Open Kindergarten approach

What’s next?

The project has now moved into its next phase, focused on scaling up and embedding the Open Kindergarten approach across Scotland. Key priorities include reaching more families experiencing poverty and disadvantage, increasing training and learning opportunities for organisations and practitioners, and integrating Open Kindergartens into local children’s services planning.

What is the learning programme and what do you need to know?

As part of Phase 4, the Open Kindergarten Learning Programme brings together a variety of learning opportunities, which are fully funded through Scottish Government’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund. The programme is open to anyone working within the early years sector, particularly those already involved in running an Open Kindergarten, or working in ways that are akin with the approach.

From October 26-March 27 the programme includes:

• Information sessions on the Open Kindergarten approach
• Group skills training for those running parent and family groups
• In-depth training on Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN), a relational practice tool
• Communities of practice – spaces where practitioners can network and reflect on their practice around Open Kindergarten so far