Early learning and childcare statistics 2024


 The Care Inspectorate has today published ‘Early Learning and Childcare Statistics 2024’, the latest in our annual series of statistics about the use and provision of early learning and childcare in Scotland.

Excluding childcare agencies, this report is based on ELC services on our register and incorporates our evaluations of the quality of these services, as well as additional information from annual returns completed by service providers. The statistics include longer-term trends as well as a focus on changes in the most recent year to 31 December 2024.


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Social care staff invited to get a free flu vaccine


Social care staff of all ages who have direct hands-on duties are eligible to receive the flu vaccine this year. Appointment booking is open now.

The winter vaccine programme is targeted at those delivering direct care, whether employed by local authorities, independent or third sector employers.

Scottish Care, the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Social Services Council support this approach.


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Statement on Balhousie Dalnaglar, Crieff


A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate said: “An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Balhousie Dalnaglar Care Home in Crieff.

“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their families and staff at the service.

“However, our first priority is always the health and wellbeing of residents.

“Because of our concerns we have issued an Improvement Notice.


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New Quality improvement framework for the early learning and childcare sectors is published


We are delighted to announce we have now published the new shared Quality improvement framework for the early learning and childcare sectors. You can access the new framework here.

This final version of the framework, developed jointly by the Care Inspectorate and HM Inspectors, will be used in inspection of all early learning and childcare services, including childminders and school age childcare settings, from Monday 22 September 2025.


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Joint inspection of services for children and young people subject to compulsory supervision orders living at home with their parents - updated webpages


In August 2025, we started working with our scrutiny partners to take a more focused look at the experiences and outcomes of children and young people subject to compulsory supervision orders and living at home with parents.

We have now updated our webpages to provide information to all with an interest in these inspections.


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