Inspection advice note

HM Inspectors of Education have published an Inspection Advice Note - January 2024 (updated December 2025) (PDF, 70 KB) outlining how they will strengthen the evidence gathered and reported through early learning and childcare and school inspections about behaviour in Scotland’s schools and settings.

The focus on behaviours will form part of the inspection process for all schools and settings notified of inspection week beginning 15 January 2024. HM Inspectors will ask specific questions around behaviour in every inspection. This will help to build a national picture of patterns of behaviour and to allow for the sharing of effective practice in addressing behavioural issues in settings. HM Inspectors will also look at the effectiveness of arrangements for promoting positive relationships and behaviour with senior leaders, staff, parents/carers, partners and learners.

Schools/settings will not need to create or submit any additional pre-inspection paperwork in advance of the inspection. HM Inspectors will continue to use the quality improvement frameworks How Good Is Our School? (4th Edition) and Quality improvement framework for early learning and childcare sectors as the focus for inspections.