How often do we inspect?

Published
29/03/2018
Last updated
14/11/2025

​​​​​The frequency of inspection depends on the type of education setting and the level of risk. HMIE selects a sample of settings/establishments each year based on strategic priorities, risk analysis, and statutory duties. In addition, we work with partners such as the Care Inspectorate to ensure inspections provide assurance, support improvement, and inform national policy. 

Early Learning and Childcare​​ (ELC) 

We currently inspect early learning and childcare settings on a proportionate basis. We use a sampling approach, rather than a cyclical model.  

We also liaise with the Care Inspectorate to determine which settings to inspect, and have increased the period between inspections to 18 months. This means that if you have been inspected by the Care Inspectorate, you will not receive an inspection from HMIE within 18 months.  

The same timescale applies if you have been inspected by HMIE. Inspections may be carried out during this period in response to risk. 

Schools, including Gaelic Medium and Learner Education 

Schools are inspected on a proportionate basis. We use a sampling approach, rather than a cyclical model. We use a set of criteria to select schools to inspect.  

We use predetermined criteria to select an annual sample of 120 schools to enable us to provide evidence for the National Improvement Framework (gov.scot). 

The criteria considers the context and characteristics of schools, including: 

  • the type of school 

  • deprivation 

  • balance across local authorities 

We select other schools for inspection on an annual basis taking account of the context and characteristics of schools, including the type of school and balance across local authorities. We also consider other factors, including local circumstances. 

When selecting schools for inspection we are placing an increased emphasis on the length of time since the last inspection. 

Independent schools 

A selection of schools is identified for inspection on a proportionate basis considering a range of factors, including:

  • the length of time since they were last inspected 
  • any significant changes in provision 
  • other intelligence, including information from other agencies 

Independent special schools are inspected on a more frequent basis than independent mainstream schools. This is due to the vulnerability of children and young people attending independent special schools, most of whom have significant additional support needs. 

Special inspections 

Section 66 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (“the 1980 Act”), also allows Scottish Ministers to cause what is termed as a “special” inspection of any school whenever such an inspection is deemed to be “desirable”. Special inspections arise mainly as a result of specific concerns about a school’s practices. As such, they are focused on the areas of concern. A “special” inspection will normally take the form of an unannounced or short notice inspection. 

Unannounced and short notice inspections 

HM Inspectors can carry out unannounced or short notice inspections in response to identified risks. 

Unannounced inspections 

Unannounced inspections may take place if it is felt that there is a significant level of risk.

Short notice inspections 

The school is usually given a few days’ notice that an inspection will take place.

Colleges 

Until October 2025, HM Inspectors undertook quality assurance and quality improvement activities in colleges on behalf of the Scottish Funding Council.

Read more about the external reviews of colleges was completed during this period.

CLD 

We'll carry out inspections of CLD provision aligned to the work of the CLD Strategic Leadership Group. An evaluation of community learning and development (CLD) in Scotland was published in 2024.

Modern Apprentice training 

We undertake these external reviews of Modern Apprenticeship providers on behalf of Scottish Ministers. HMIE  select the sample for review and liaise with Skills Development Scotland regarding data and review planning. 

Education functions of local authorities 

Currently, we inspect the education functions of local authorities in response to the level of risk.  

Prison education 

We join HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland (HMIPS) to inspect purposeful activity. HMIPS select the prisons to be inspected.