The Thematic Review Of The Care Curriculum In Scotland's Colleges provides an overview of how well colleges are in planning, promoting and delivering a care curriculum, and the impact on learners. Broader industry insights reveal persistent issues with workforce readiness and qualification structures, highlighting the need to align education and training with the evolving demands of the care sectors.

The Thematic Review of the Care Curriculum in Scotland’s Colleges highlights areas of strength in the care curriculum in Scotland’s colleges. However, it also identifies persistent challenges all of which have implications for the sustainability and quality of care across Scotland.  

The report outlines the following strengths:

• Most colleges’ staff deliver a curriculum that closely matches industry needs and reflects emerging sector trends, ensuring learners acquire relevant knowledge and practical skills.

• Teaching staff use diverse methods such as digital platforms, simulations, case studies, and work-based learning to engage learners.

• Colleges’ staff provide tailored resources and additional assistance for learners with varied needs, supported by strong collaboration between teaching and specialist staff.

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector Janie McManus said: “HM Inspectors found a strong commitment by staff to supporting learners to succeed. We found teaching staff providing learners with encouragement and support to take responsibility for their own learning, and working productively with employers and industry partners.

“There is a lot to be commended in current practice and we would expect to see these key areas of strength continue to grow in the sector.”

Despite these strengths, the report finds that many full-time learners enter programmes without a clear understanding of the academic demands, making it harder for them to manage workload and succeed in their studies. The review also found that while rates of learner successful completion have improved overall, the care sector continues to experience one of the highest withdrawal rates nationally.

HM Chief Inspector, Janie McManus said:

“Scotland’s care sector touches the lives of thousands of individuals and families each day. It is a major national employer, yet it continues to face significant challenges, including high vacancy rates and staff turnover, putting service delivery at risk.

“Too many learners enter care programmes without a full understanding of what’s required and too many leave before they complete. We need to do more to help learners succeed and enter the workforce with the confidence and skills they need.

“Scotland’s colleges are central to the future of care. But, across care programmes, there exists a variability in the provision of pathways into employment. Improvement is needed to ensure all learners can move efficiently into meaningful employment and this report sets out clear recommendations. If acted upon, they can help build a workforce not only ready to care, but equipped to lead change in one of the most vital sectors in our society.”