Education and childcare

The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (The Care Commission) is a national organisation, which was set up under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 to regulate and inspect Scottish care services.

Disclosure Scotland is part of the Scottish Criminal Record Office (SCRO). On this website you will find details of the services they provide, advice on how to make applications, both for registration and disclosures; an online facility for applying for Basic Disclosures; information relating to appropriate legislation and regulations: a frequently asked questions section and useful links to other organisations working within the disclosure environment

This website provides information and advice about childcare and childcare providers across Scotland.

Children in Scotland is the national agency for voluntary, statutory and professional organisations and individuals working with children and their families in Scotland.

CNSA creates learning opportunities in Gaelic, for people of all ages, throughout Scotland. This site offers information and support to help those interested in pre-school options, immersion courses or Gaelic medium primary schools.

It provides support, advice and information on best practice for everyone concerned with the education and care of young children from birth to 8 years. Early Education has branches across Scotland and you can find information on branch meetings on the website.

The GTC has responsibility for maintaining and enhancing the quality of teaching in Scotland. It maintains a register of qualified teachers and oversees standards for entry in the profession.

HMIE inspects and reports on the quality of education in pre-school centres, schools and other educational establishments. The HMIE website provides access to inspection reports, guides and other publications on good practice.

Information and resources from High/Scope UK. This organisation exists to foster the betterment of young children's lives and consequent life chances through a high quality education programme which is underpinned by proven long term research.

NAEYC aims to lead and consolidate the efforts of individuals and groups working to achieve healthy development and constructive education for all young children. This site provides information about their work and publications.

Website of the umbrella organisation supporting mobile community work (including playbuses and other early years services) across the United Kingdom. Mobile work takes services into rural areas and under-resourced urban areas.

Online version of Nursery World magazine. Contains selected articles from the current and previous issues, details of events and early years news.

Organisation whose role is to promote the importance of play (for children and young people aged 0-18) in all contexts (at home, in the streets, parks and public spaces, at school and out of school care). Play Scotland provides information on play and playwork, carries out research and works to influence policy on play.

This official site contains details of the educational project including details of the company Reggio Children which manages the pedagogical and cultural exchange initiatives taking place in the area; information about the International Association Friends of Reggio Children; a description of the Municipal Infant-toddler Centres and Pre-schools of Reggio Emilia; and details of Remida – the creative recycling centre.

Scottish CILT are interested in the teaching of modern foreign languages in early years and have published research into Modern Languages in the Primary School.

The SCMA is the only dedicated support organisation in Scotland for registered childminding. Contains links to training, publications and advice for childminders.

The Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) is responsible for administering policy on pre-school, school education, children and young people and promoting tourism, culture and sport.

Scottish Pre-school Play Association is a charity committed to the development of quality care and education in pre-school groups which respect the rights, responsibilities and needs of all children and their parents.

Set up in October 2001 under the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act, the SSSC is responsible for regulating education and training of people working in the social services (including early education and childcare workers).

The Scottish Out of School Care Network (SOSCN) supports school-aged play, care and learning. It promotes good quality, sustainable out-of-school care and support the child's right to play, equal opportunities and partnership working. Includes information and resources on publications, quality assurance, research, events and links to relevant websites.

Sure Start is the Government programme to deliver the best start in life for every child in Scotland by bringing together early education, childcare and health and family support.

Information, tips and resources for parents and professionals who work with parents, children and families.