The Growing Up in Scotland study (GUS) is an important longitudinal research project aimed at tracking the
lives of several cohorts of Scottish children through the early years and beyond. The study is funded by the
Scottish Government and carried out by ScotCen Social Research. GUS provides crucial evidence for the longterm
monitoring and evaluation of policies for children, with a specific focus on the early years. While the
principal aim of the study is to provide information to support policy-making, it is also intended to be a broader
resource that can be drawn on by academics, voluntary sector organisations and other interested parties.
GUS collects a wide range of information about children and their families; the main areas covered include
childcare, education, parenting, health and social inclusion.
This document presents a summary of the data
on the transition to primary school, in particular
parental perceptions of the child’s ‘readiness’ for, and
adjustment to, school.