Catch up with the latest news from the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) programme at the Improvement Service.
Case studies
The team recently published two case studies:
Ensuring fair pay: monitoring the real living wage in early learning and childcare
This case study outlines how three different local authorities have developed tailored strategies to monitor and ensure fair pay in the ELC sector. From detailed, on-site checks and payroll verification to annual declarations and digital forms with sample audits, each model reflects the operational capacity, local context, and provider landscape of the authority.
South Lanarkshire Council’s Approach to Professional Learning in ELC
South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) has developed a dynamic and inclusive professional learning programme that supports Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) practitioners across both local authority settings and partner providers, as well as childminders.
Outcomes and Measurement Framework: coming soon
The first iteration of the ELC insights dashboard (an output of the Outcomes and Measurement Framework (OMF) project) is on track to be deployed on 30 May to ELC leads across Scotland. Developed through collaboration between the Improvement Service, Scottish Government and a group of co-design councils, the dashboard aims to support continuous improvement in ELC by making key data more accessible and meaningful for local authorities.
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