HM Inspectors of Education have published an advice note outlining how they will strengthen the evidence gathered and reported through early learning and childcare and school inspections about behaviour in Scotland’s schools and settings.

PDF file: Inspection Advice Note - January 2024 (91 KB)

The focus on behaviours will form part of the inspection process for all schools and settings notified of inspection week beginning 15 January 2024. HM Inspectors will ask specific questions around behaviour in every inspection. This will help to build a national picture of patterns of behaviour and to allow for the sharing of effective practice in addressing behavioural issues in settings. HM Inspectors will also look at the effectiveness of arrangements for promoting positive relationships and behaviour with senior leaders, staff, parents/carers, partners and learners.

HM Inspectors will continue to use the school/setting self-evaluation as the starting point for the inspection. Schools/settings will not need to create or submit any additional pre-inspection paperwork in advance of the inspection. HM Inspectors will continue to use the quality improvement frameworks How Good Is Our School? (4th Edition) and How Good Is Our Early Learning and Childcare? as the focus for inspections.