The new Quality improvement framework for the early learning and childcare sectors has been launched by HM Inspectors and the Care Inspectorate.

Originally published in January 2025, the framework was shared early to give settings time to familiarise themselves with its content ahead of implementation.

Since then, HM Inspectors and the Care Inspectorate have hosted in-person and online engagement sessions, reaching thousands of stakeholders, to hear external views and respond with improvements.

This feedback has directly shaped the new framework and changes include:

• a reduction in the number of quality indicators
• each quality indicator now includes 'very good' and 'weak' illustrations, making expectations clearer
• best-practice messaging has been refreshed, especially around speech, language and communication
• all content is now online, accessible to every service regardless of size or location

For education practitioners, this means a framework that is more practical and proportionate. For parents, it means more transparent and consistent information about their child’s setting.

HM Chief Inspector of Education Janie McManus said: "The launch of this framework is a significant step forward in our shared commitment to improvement. It reflects the voices of the sector and the realities of practice. The collaborative effort behind its development has been outstanding, and I’m confident it will support settings to deliver the best possible experiences for children and families."

Hear more from Janie McManus, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Jackie Irvine, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, in this video:

Further support materials will continue to be shared to help settings embed the framework's principles in their everyday practice.