Children in Scotland, the national agency for all those working for children and their families, and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, today launch an international award for excellence in architecture and design for young children. Entries are invited from architects and designers worldwide, who have created a visionary building, place or space, inside or outside, for young children up to the age of ten.

These could include nurseries, children's centres, schools and school-age childcare services, combined services for this age group or services shared with other age groups, play areas or street furnishings such as school bus shelters. Projects should have been completed within the period December 1999 - January 2005.

Bronwen Cohen, chief executive of Children in Scotland, said: "The expansion in services for young children means that more young children are spending time in organised child care of some kind. At the same time, we are witnessing a decline in access to safe public space, such as town squares or open countryside. With less freedom to roam and more time spent in organised space it is vitally important that we listen to young children and consider their needs fully.

"Designing space for children benefits from collaboration - bringing together architects, brain researchers, historians and environmentalists.

"Our aim is to share the best ideas and encourage innovation. By celebrating excellence in design for the very young, we hope to inspire all those creating buildings or spaces for children."

Professor Gordon Murray, President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: "Working on education buildings offers a wonderful challenge and a heavy responsibility. Knowing that one's work will influence the young and their attitude to the built environment - perhaps for a lifetime."