HM Inspectors of Education have today published a thematic inspection of curriculum design.

The report provides an overview of strengths and areas for improvement identified by HM Inspectors during visits to early learning and childcare settings and primary, secondary and special schools during academic session 2022 to 2023.

HM Inspectors also set out a number of recommendations to support further improvement.

HM Chief Inspector of Education, Janie McManus said:

“The importance of curriculum design cannot be understated as the knowledge and skills children and young people develop will prepare them for navigating the social, economic, political, and cultural challenges that face society. It is vital that we design a curriculum that is relevant and meets the needs of children and young people now and in the future. Staff continue to show commitment to supporting learners and adapting their curriculum to meet a range of needs.”

The thematic report presents an evaluation of how well early learning and childcare settings and schools design a high-quality curriculum that takes account of national guidance and local needs; and involve the school community and other stakeholders in designing the curriculum.

During visits, HM Inspectors spoke with learners, teachers, practitioners, parents/carers and partners. They evaluated how well staff design a high-quality curriculum that takes account of national guidance and local needs, and how well they involve the school community in designing the curriculum. 

Among the strengths identified by HM Inspectors was the opportunities for children and young people to learn outdoors more often, as well as education staff using their local area to provide stimulating learning environments to develop knowledge and skills. 

However, HM Inspectors found there are still a number of barriers to ensure the curriculum is designed to help children and young people to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Janie McManus added:

“While we recognise the challenges that schools and settings are facing, we also know that more needs to be done to ensure all children and young people receive their full entitlement to a coherent and progressive broad general education. There is a need for staff to now increase the focus on how the curriculum is designed to raise the attainment of all and accelerate progress in closing any poverty-related attainment gaps.

“We hope the findings and recommendations in our report support settings and schools in curriculum development, while also providing actionable insights for local authorities, national bodies, and Scottish Government. We hope this will support the education system to develop a curriculum that allows learners to develop the skills and knowledge needed to live and thrive in times of change.”