About this framework
(Please click on image for the framework)
This self-evaluation framework supports quality improvement in early learning and childcare (ELC) settings. It can be used by all ELC services. This includes childminders and school age childcare providers.
From 22nd September 2025, The Care Inspectorate and His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HM Inspectors) will use the framework for the inspection of ELC settings, ensuring that these inspections are thorough and focused on enhancing the quality of care and education provided.
Where an ELC setting provides Gaelic Medium Education HM Inspectors will continue to use the advice on Gaelic education alongside this framework. This will reflect the distinctive features of Gaelic Medium Education, such as total immersion and rights-based approaches.
This rights-based framework provides a holistic approach to assessing care, play, and education. It contains quality indicators which support reflection. These can help you identify practice that works and areas that need improvement.
At the heart of the Care Inspectorate and HM Inspectors work is ensuring that children are:
- safe and protected from harm
- cared for and able to thrive
- offered high-quality learning and development opportunities
The Care Inspectorate and HM Inspectors will use the framework to work with ELC services and sector-wide bodies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of self-evaluation.
A copy of the new framework and childminder quality indicators can be found HERE.