Developing a framework for early learning and childcare: Background

2022 – The Scottish Government published Professor Ken Muir’s report, Putting Learners at the Centre: Towards a Future Vision for Scottish Education. Prof Muir recommended that Education Scotland’s Inspectorate should re-engage with the Care Inspectorate to agree a shared inspection framework designed to reduce the burden on early learning and childcare (ELC) practitioners and centres.

2022 - Education Scotland and Care Inspectorate meet for first time to plan the joint project.

2023 - An External Reference Group is established to support both organisations and enhance the process. Face-to-face and online discussions with the sector begin.

2023 - A draft framework is published to allow a consultation period with the sector to gather their views.

2024 - Consultation closes and a group of co-opted professionals is identified to support the development of the framework.

2024 - Webinars take place to share plans with the sector – over 2,600 attendees join the sessions.

2025 - Quality Improvement Framework for Early Learning and Childcare Sectors is published online to allow for familiarisation. Framework will not be used in inspections until September 2025.