Annual returns

This year's annual return will be available to service providers for completion between Tuesday 6 January and Tuesday 17 February 2026.

Each year, we ask you to complete an annual return. This gives us important information that helps us plan, inform and carry out our inspections and improvement work. We share some of the information with other organisations, such as the Scottish Social Services Council and the Scottish Government, and we use it to produce several statistical publications that you can view on our website.


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Inspection of the leadership of children’s social work services in the City of Edinburgh Council

The Care Inspectorate has published a report following an inspection of the leadership of children’s social work services in the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Care Inspectorate was asked to undertake this inspection by the Scottish Government’s Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise.


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We're closed
We're closed

We're closed

We are closed today, Monday 1 December, for the St. Andrew's Day Public Holiday. We will reopen at 09:00 on Tuesday 2 December.


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Statement: Castlehill Care Home, Inverness

Some improvements have been made in the quality of care experienced by residents living in an Inverness care home.

The Care Inspectorate has today published a letter of compliance confirming that Castlehill Care Home has met the requirements of an Improvement Notice issued on 7 October 2025, following an earlier inspection which raised serious concerns.


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Nappy changing for early learning and childcare settings (excluding childminders)

This updated guidance offers a practical guide on aspects of nappy changing while balancing the need to reduce the risk of infection for children, staff and anyone accessing the service.

All early learning and childcare building-based settings (excluding childminders) that care for children who use nappies must have appropriate changing facilities, including a safe, clean environment with appropriate equipment. Children's privacy, dignity and, where appropriate independence, must be respected and always promoted. 


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