The Care Inspectorate has issued its latest provider update, with several developments that early learning and childcare services across Scotland should be aware of.
From a new digital platform to updated inspection guidance and a new safer recruitment self-evaluation tool, there are a few changes worth having on your radar.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what ELC managers and practitioners need to know.
Manage my Service is coming
The Care Inspectorate is preparing to launch Manage my Service, its new digital platform, later this year.
The new system will replace eForms and the existing Digital Portal, bringing interactions with the Care Inspectorate together in one place.
Providers will be able to use Manage my Service for tasks including:
- keeping staff and service information up to date
- submitting and monitoring notifications
- monitoring complaints
- reviewing reports
- completing action plans relating to areas for improvement and requirements
- registering new care services
The Care Inspectorate has now released video explainers, walkthroughs, written guides, FAQs and webinar recordings to help providers become familiar with the platform before launch.
For managers, this is a good opportunity to make sure anyone responsible for Care Inspectorate administration is aware that the current systems are changing.
Updated guidance on Care Inspectorate inspections
The Care Inspectorate has also published updated guidance explaining how regulated care services in Scotland are inspected.
The guidance explains how inspections are planned, how evidence is gathered and considered, how evaluations are reached and how feedback is shared with services.
For ELC providers, it is a useful reminder that inspection should not simply be about preparing for an inspector arriving.
Ongoing self-evaluation, staff development, reflective practice and continuous improvement all contribute to demonstrating the quality of care and support being provided.
Managers may therefore want to consider whether staff understand not only their own roles and responsibilities, but also how their everyday practice contributes to the overall quality of the service.
New safer recruitment self-evaluation tool
One of the particularly relevant developments for childcare providers is the publication of a new Safer Recruitment Self-Evaluation Tool.
Safer recruitment is an important part of safeguarding.
Keeping children safe doesn’t begin when a practitioner starts working with them. It starts with making sure that recruitment processes are robust and that people working within services are appropriately selected, checked, inducted and supported.
The new tool is designed to help services reflect on how effectively their recruitment arrangements protect people using their service and identify areas where practice could be strengthened.
For ELC managers, this could be a useful opportunity to review areas such as:
- recruitment procedures
- appropriate checks and references
- staff suitability
- induction processes
- safeguarding responsibilities
- staff training and ongoing development
- how recruitment practice is reviewed and improved
Rather than waiting until an inspection highlights a gap, self-evaluation gives services an opportunity to identify improvements themselves.
Digital practice and AI in care
The Care Inspectorate is also reviewing its digital social care self-evaluation toolkit.
As digital technology and artificial intelligence become increasingly common, services are being encouraged to consider how technology is used safely, responsibly and in ways that respect people’s rights.
While not every development will directly affect day-to-day ELC practice, digital safeguarding, data protection and appropriate use of technology are likely to become increasingly important areas for services to consider.
What should ELC services do now?
There is no need for settings to make wholesale changes as a result of this provider update.
However, it would be sensible for managers to:
- Familiarise themselves with Manage my Service before it launches.
- Review the Care Inspectorate’s updated inspection guidance.
- Use the new safer recruitment self-evaluation tool to reflect on current recruitment practices.
- Check that relevant policies, procedures and staff training remain current.
- Continue to build self-evaluation and reflective practice into everyday service improvement.
Small, regular reviews are often far more manageable than trying to address everything immediately before an inspection.
Keeping ELC knowledge up to date
Guidance, expectations and good practice within early learning and childcare continue to develop.
At First Stop Safety Training, we regularly review developments affecting Scottish ELC services so that the training and CPD we provide remains relevant to the environments practitioners are actually working in.
Through the First Stop Learning Hub, our growing online CPD library supports early years practitioners and settings with accessible training across areas including safeguarding, health and safety, infection control, food safety, choking prevention, medication, fire safety and more.
We’ll continue to monitor Care Inspectorate updates and reflect relevant changes within our training where appropriate.
First Stop Safety Training Ltd
Supporting safer, confident and informed early years practice across Scotland.
