OPEN KINDERGARTEN: IMPROVING FAMILY SUPPORT PROVISION IN SCOTLAND

A wide range of research and evidence emphasises the importance of the early years and this has been recognised by Scottish Government in a range of policies including the Early Years Framework, the National Parenting Strategy, the Universal Health Visiting Pathway and the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare. [...] A range of other initiatives in Scotland includes: the Parent Club website, which offers support and advice to parents and carers on a range of issues; funding the Bookbug programme, to provide free books and resources to parents and carers with infants and young children and to support the delivery of free drop-in story, song and rhyme sessions in local communities; working in partnership with th. [...] To address this challenge, support for parents and carers in the early years needs to bridge the gap between the health information and support that is provided in the very early days and the early learning and childcare that is provided universally from the age of three (and for some eligible children from two). [...] Review of the literature: key features of the Open Kindergarten model To provide a context in which to understand the implementation of the Open Kindergarten model, we conducted a systematic review of the research on the model. [...] We considered the feasibility and impact of the model, assessed the development and implementation of the approach, and gained an insight into the effective practice in delivering the initiative.