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 Update
April will mark the release of the first iteration of the Outcomes and Measurement Framework (OMF) tool for all local authorities across Scotland. Developed in collaboration with local government colleagues and Scottish Government partners, the OMF is designed to support improvement in early learning and childcare planning and service delivery by making key data more accessible, interactive and actionable. This initial version is the starting point for an on-going process with councils, with future iterations shaped by feedback and evolving needs.
Workforce update
We are working with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to review the existing Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) portal. This already provides ELC professionals with access to a range of national resources and learning materials. To ensure it continues to meet the needs of the workforce, the Scottish Government is funding the SSSC to review and enhance its usability. As part of this review, we will provide feedback and recommendations to help refine and improve the portal, making more accessible and effective for professional learning.
New case study
Meeting the needs of children with additional support or complex needs, and profound and multiple learning disabilities, requires a holistic and collaborative approach. By addressing fundamental factors such as nutrition, sleep, communication, mobility, and inclusive learning environments, practitioners and families can ensure that every child is supported to thrive.
We have worked with The Craighalbert Centre to develop a case study that encourages local authorities and their partners to draw inspiration from the approaches used at Craighalbert and learn from the key elements of success.
Latest edition of the ELC newsletter
The latest edition of our dedicated ELC newsletter was published earlier this month. It highlights our work on the Outcomes and Measurement Framework (OMF) and the National Improvement Project for Two-year-olds. It also includes an overview on our support for workforce, along with useful case studies and resources. If you have not already done so, you can sign up for the quarterly newsletter here. This is also available to view on the IS website
Community Planning
The Scottish Community Planning Networks 2025 calendar kicked off on Wednesday 26 February with the first Spotlight Session being held. This focused on Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIPs). On the day we heard from Midlothian, Argyll and Bute and Perth and Kinross Community Planning Partnerships on the approaches taken to LOIPs in their areas. Presentations from the spotlight session are now available.
On Monday 17 March 2025, the Scottish Community Planning Network (SCPN) held its first national event of the year. This was an opportunity to hear what had been happening for SCPN reps who sit on various forums before focussing on the National CPP Self- Assessment Overview Report which was published a few weeks prior.
Two new case studies are now also available to read on the IS website. Both case studies highlight community planning success in Aberdeen; “Improving Outcomes and Partnership working” examines the successful implementation of their Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) and Locality Plans, which have fostered a data-driven, multi-agency approach to reducing inequalities across Aberdeen. “Achieving Better Outcomes, my way to Employment project” highlights the transformative impact of this project, designed to support individuals in overcoming barriers to work and achieving meaningful employment.
Finally, the team have been supporting the PSIF team to undertake consensus sessions with a number of CPP’s following the National Community Planning Self- Assessment.
Public service reform
The team are supporting colleagues in the Place Based Social Justice division as a critical friend to support the development of a Fairer Future Partnerships Learning Strategy. The aim of which is to support the effective implementation of the key features of the FFP approach.