Catch up with the latest news from the Recovery and Delivery team at the Improvement Service.
Early learning and childcare (ELC)
Outcomes and Measure Framework: coming soon
The Outcomes and Measurement Framework (OMF) for funded early learning and childcare (ELC) is nearing an exciting milestone. Developed through close collaboration between the Improvement Service, Scottish Government, and a group of co-design councils, the OMF aims to support continuous improvement in ELC by making key data more accessible and meaningful for local authorities.
In the coming weeks, the first iteration of the OMF tool will be made available to ELC leads across Scotland. This interactive tool will be accompanied by a supporting narrative report that offers practical illustrations of how the data can inform local planning, service delivery, and self-evaluation.
This release represents the first phase of an ongoing co-design approach, with future enhancements shaped by user feedback and local priorities.
For further information, contact:
Rob Beal – Rob.Beal@improvementservice.org.uk
Mairi-Louise MacDonald – Mairi.Macdonald@improvementservice.org.uk
National improvement project for two-year-olds
We’re working with five local authorities – Aberdeenshire, Falkirk, Glasgow, North Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire – to explore how to improve uptake of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) for eligible two-year-olds. This project supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to increase access to high-quality ELC, particularly for families most at risk of poverty.
To guide our work, we’ve adopted a service design approach, using the double diamond model to understand current challenges and design tailored solutions. The first part of the process – discover and define – focuses on deeply understanding the problem before jumping to solutions. This has included in-depth engagement with each local authority, analysing local data, and mapping barriers to access.
We’ve now completed deep dive sessions with all five councils and have shared bespoke scoping reports with each area. These reports summarise current practice, highlight local challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement. Councils are currently reviewing their reports and providing feedback, which will help shape the next stage of the project.
If you’re interested in learning more about the service design methods we’re using, including how the double diamond framework supports this project, you can explore more on our service design webpages.
We look forward to sharing further updates and learning as the project moves into the next phase: engagement and co-design with families and practitioners.
For more information, please get in touch with Rob Beal: Rob.Beal@Improvementservice.org.uk