Scotland’s children have the right to an early education that helps them thrive. Around the world, countries with top education results start formal schooling at age seven, following a kindergarten stage focused on play, social development, and emotional wellbeing. While Scottish policy supports a developmental approach, the current school structure makes it hard to deliver. Research suggests that the early formal schooling puts an unnecessary strain on children, rather than giving them the best opportunity to start their learning. A statutory kindergarten stage could ensure that learning for under-sevens is based on play, exploration, and language development, not formal schooling, and foster a healthy and appropriate learning environment.