International English Language Testing System Certificates


The Scottish Government has highlighted a potential fraud risk following the identification of fraudulently acquired International English Language Testing (IELTS) certificates. You can read more about this here.


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The importance of visiting over winter and 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 period.

Meaningful contact with families and friends is fundamental to health and wellbeing, and is a key human right.

As we are now well into the winter months, many care home services are experiencing increased outbreaks of infections.

All services must ensure that even during an outbreak, people are supported to stay connected, in person, with those who are important to them, when this is what people want.

Services must also ensure that any temporary changes in visiting arrangements are clearly communicated to families and friends, with the expected end date, and updated as appropriate.


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Joint inspection of adult support and protection in Dundee


A joint inspection of adult support and protection measures in the Dundee area has found clear strengths in ensuring adults at risk of harm are safe, protected and supported. However, inspectors also identified areas which could further improve.  


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Annual returns deadline extended


Based on feedback we have received from providers and their representative groups about the pressures and challenging context that the sector is currently facing, we are extending the annual return submission period for an additional four weeks. We understand these challenges and are committed to supporting services as much as we can. As part of this, we hope this extension will allow more time for this work to be undertaken. 

We still plan to open annual returns on Monday 8 January 2024, with a revised deadline of Sunday 17 March 2024


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Deadline extended – Consultation on the new shared inspection framework for early learning and childcare (ELC) services, including childminding and school-aged childcare in Scotland


The deadline for responding to the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland’s draft version of the new shared inspection framework has now been extended.

You now have until 19 January 2024 to take part in an online survey comprising of 12 short questions relating to the new framework.


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