Self-evaluation tools and guidance for childcare agencies


Following the launch last year of our 'Quality framework for childcare agencies introducing and supplying childcare staff', we have now published our self-evaluation toolkit.

The purpose of our self-evaluation tools is to support services to assess how well they are doing against the key questions from our quality framework and highlight areas where they need to support improved outcomes for children.


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Annual returns are live

Annual returns go live today


The annual return is now available for services to complete between 6 January and 2 March 2025.

All service types must complete their annual returns electronically, using the Care Inspectorate’s eForms system.


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A senior women in wheelchair with a visitor near a Christmas tree.

The importance of visiting over the festive season


The Care Inspectorate sends our best wishes to all those working in services across the country over the festive season and our sincere thanks for your continuing commitment during this time.

We know this is an extremely busy time for care homes and want to remind services of the importance of visiting throughout this festive period. 

Meaningful contact with families and friends is fundamental to health and wellbeing, and is a key part of our human rights. 


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Revised guidance for children and young people's residential services


Following feedback from the wider registered services’ sector, and the implementation of sections of the Children (Care and Justice)(Scotland) Act 2024, we have revised both our Matching and Admissions Guidance and the Protocol for use of  the emergency bedroom in secure accommodation services. The aim is to further support services in making robust and responsive assessments on the children and young people they can safely care for.


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Preventing scalding episodes in childcare guidance


A new guidance document has been published to help childcare providers prevent and manage scalding episodes.

The Care Inspectorate published the guidance in response to a small number of incidents where children were scalded in childcare settings.

The document provides essential information on:

  • Understanding why young children are particularly vulnerable to scalding accidents.
  • Implementing safe food handling and serving procedures.
  • Knowing how to react quickly and effectively in a scalding emergency.

Click here to view and download Good practice guidance: prevention and management of scalding episodes in daycare of children and childminding services.


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