Adult to child ratios and new notification during Omicron
Like all services, early learning and childcare settings are operating under unprecedented circumstances due to the pandemic. The Omicron variant will be extremely challenging, particularly in terms of staffing.
To support continued delivery of safe, high-quality childcare for children and families as we move through this stage of the pandemic, we have temporarily adjusted our policy position on adult to child ratios and introduced a new notification.
High-quality experiences for children should be paramount. Adjusting adult to child ratios must only be used when all other options for additional staffing have been exhausted and a risk assessment has been undertaken. Our guidance gives information on the approach to risk assessment and the required notification.
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Chief Executive to retire
Peter Macleod is retiring from his role as Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate on 10 February 2022 following a period of ill health. Peter has been Chief Executive since January 2019, having worked for almost 35 years in public service. Edith Macintosh, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Strategy and Improvement, will become interim Chief Executive until future arrangements are put in place.
Edith Macintosh has worked with the Care Inspectorate since 2009 and has been deputy Chief Executive since 2020. She brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge from working across the health and social care sector for many years.
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Safe staffing during winter
We understand the complex and difficult circumstances that services have been dealing with over the last couple of years. We want to thank everyone working in the care sector for their continued commitment to care for people with compassion and dignity.
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Annual returns go live soon
Each year, we ask services to complete an annual return. This year's annual returns will be available from Monday 10 January until Sunday 20 March 2022.
Please note this now includes an additional four weeks from the original deadline due to the ongoing pressures services are experiencing.
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Supporting visiting over the festive season
Visits from family and friends in care homes are essential for people’s health and wellbeing and are particularly important during the festive season.
We understand it is vital to keep residents safe during the pandemic, and we expect all care providers to operate in accordance with the guidance issued by the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland.
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