A quality framework for care homes for children and young people and special residential schools
This framework has been developed to help services understand, and improve, the experiences and outcomes of the children and young people they care for. It provides a single point of information to assist staff, managers, external managers and providers with self-evaluation, keeping the promise and inspection preparation.
It is most effective when used as a working tool, to help guide where your strengths as a service lie and where improvement may be needed. The framework covers every aspect of a service’s activity but can be used flexibly to examine specific outcomes or particular aspects of care practice.
Download the quality framework here.
We have also produced a set of self-evaluation tools to support services to assess how well they are doing against key areas from our quality framework and highlight where they need to support improved outcomes for children.
Key question 1: How well do we support children and young people’s wellbeing?
1.1 Children and young people experience compassion, dignity and respect
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
National Guidance for Child Protection 2021 – updated 2023
National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 – updated 2023: Practice Insights
Practice guide to chronologies 2017
Guidance on effective safeguarding for boards of governors in independent schools
National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland
Guardianship Scotland: National Child Trafficking Support Service
Supporting child refugees and their families (CELCIS)
Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Practitioner Briefing Paper
Practitioner Guidance on Criminal Exploitation
Criminal Exploitation of Children (CEC) Framework for Practice
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Education Programme (CEOP)
Guide for providers on personal planning: Children and young people
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Trauma sensitive practice with children in care (IRISS)
Attachment informed practice with looked after children and young people (IRISS)
Promoting a positive sense of self with children and young people (Research in Practice)
Standards for those working with children in conflict with the law 2021
Preventing Offending: Improving outcomes for children and young people
The Criminal Exploitation of Children: Scotland’s Framework for Practice
Responding to Offending in Residential Childcare – Next steps project Progress Report
Guidance on Health Assessments for Looked After Children and Young People in Scotland
Practice Guide: Suicide prevention for looked after children and young people
Policy position on the use of restrictive practices
Self-evaluation tool: The use of restrictive practices
Rights, risks and limits to freedom: Good practice guide (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland)
What can you expect from your care worker? (SSSC)
Practice Guide: Involving children and young people in improving services
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
7 Golden Rules of Participation
1.2 Children and young people get the most out of life
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Guide for providers on personal planning: Children and young people
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Trauma sensitive practice with children in care (IRISS)
Attachment informed practice with looked after children and young people (IRISS)
Leading for outcomes: A guide (IRISS)
Guidance and good practice on encouraging outdoor activities in residential childcare
Celebrating success: what helps looked after children succeed
Animal Magic: The benefits of being around and caring for animals across care settings
An independent guide to quality care for autistic people (National Autistic Taskforce)
Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management
The SPELL Framework (National Autistic Society)
The keys to life: Improving quality of life for people with learning disabilities
The Scottish Care Leavers Covenant
Understanding personal outcomes (SSSC)
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 11 – Continuing Care
Principles of Good Transitions 3 – Autism Supplement (Scottish Transitions Forum)
Good practice note on council tax exemptions for care leavers
About Scotland Works for You: Help finding a job with a conviction
1.3 Children and young people’s health and development benefit from the care and support they experience
Guide for providers on personal planning: Children and young people
Guidance on Health Assessments for Looked After Children and Young People in Scotland
Anticipatory Care Planning: Guidance for health and care professionals
Practice Guide: Suicide prevention for looked after children and young people
Trauma sensitive practice with children in care (IRISS)
Attachment informed practice with looked after children and young people (IRISS)
Supporting positive relationships for children and young people who have experience of care (IRISS)
Leading for outcomes: A guide (IRISS)
Guidance and good practice on encouraging outdoor activities in residential childcare
Notifications about controlled drugs: guidance for providers
Managing Medicines in Care Homes (NICE)
Safe administration of medication (Safemed)(SSSC)
Children, food and care: A health resource pack for staff and care (IRISS)
Eating well for looked after children and young people: Nutritional and practical guidelines
ERIC: The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity – Information, advice and resources
Constipation in children and young people: diagnosis and management (NICE)
1.4 Children and young people get the service that is right for them
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Matching Looked After Children and Young People: Admissions Guidance for Residential Services
Guidance for services on the provision of continuing care, throughcare, and aftercare
Continuing Care and the Welfare Assessment: Practice Note
Your Right to Continuing Care (CELCIS)
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 10 - Aftercare
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 11 – Continuing Care
Continuing Care and Co: Conversation Openers
Staying Put Scotland: Providing care leavers with connectedness and belonging
The Scottish Care Leavers Covenant
Practice guide to chronologies 2017
Principles of Good Transitions 3 (Scottish Transitions Forum)
Equal partners in care (EPiC) – Caring for unpaid carers (TURAS Learn)
Key question 2: How good is our leadership?
2.1 Vision and values positively inform practice
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
Scottish Human Rights Commission
Codes, Rights and Keeping The Promise (SSSC)
Children’s Rights Skills and Knowledge Framework (Together Scotland)
Guardianship Scotland: National Child Trafficking Support Service
Supporting child refugees and their families (CELCIS)
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
What matters to who matters? The Promise Reflection Cards
Young Voices in Decision-Making: Participation Framework (Government for Ireland)
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
Leading for outcomes: A guide (IRISS)
Leadership in social services: My leadership (SSSC)
Guidance for providers and applicants on aims and objectives
2.2 Quality assurance and improvement are led well
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
Practice Guide: Involving children and young people in improving services
7 Golden Rules of Participation
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
Our Hearings Our Voice: Seeing beyond the surface – What children and young people wish adults knew
What matters to who matters? The Promise Reflection Cards
Young Voices in Decision-Making: Participation Framework (Government for Ireland)
Self-evaluation for improvement – your guide
Quality improvement tools and resources
Self-evaluation tool: The use of restrictive practices
Organisational Duty of Candour Non-Statutory Guidance: Revised March 2025
National Guidance for the External Management of Residential Child Care Establishments in Scotland
2.3 Leaders collaborate to support children and young people
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Leading for outcomes: Children and young people (IRISS)
Guidance on Peripatetic Management Arrangements
Corporate Parenting: Enabling Implementation of Part 9 (CELCIS)
Scottish Care Leavers’ Covenant: Supporting corporate parents to improve the lives of care leavers
Staying Put Scotland: Providing care leavers with connectedness and belonging
Care Inspectorate Hub: Care homes for children and young people
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: Good practice guides
Health related policy and procedure: Template for all services
UK GDPR guidance and resources | ICO
2.4 Staff are led well
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
Leading for outcomes: Children and young people (IRISS)
Leadership in social services: Leading others (SSSC)
National Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care in Scotland
Leading for outcomes: Children and young people (IRISS)
Codes, Rights and Keeping The Promise (SSSC)
Children’s Rights Skills and Knowledge Framework (Together Scotland)
Guardianship Scotland: National Child Trafficking Support Service
Supporting child refugees and their families (CELCIS)
Quality improvement tools and resources
Safe Staffing Programme: Children and Young People
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
What matters to who matters? The Promise Reflection Cards
Young Voices in Decision-Making: Participation Framework (Government for Ireland)
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: Good practice guides
Health related policy and procedure: Template for all services
Key question 3: How good is our staff team?
3.1 Staff are recruited well
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Safer Recruitment Through Better Recruitment
Safe Staffing Programme: Children and Young People
What can you expect from your care worker? (SSSC)
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
Codes, Rights and Keeping The Promise (SSSC)
Children’s Rights Skills and Knowledge Framework (Together Scotland)
The Standard for Full Registration (GTCS)
National Occupational Standards Navigator (SSSC)
3.2 Staff have the right values, skills and knowledge to care for children and young people
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
National Guidance for Child Protection 2021 – updated 2023
Transforming Psychological Trauma: A Knowledge and Skills Framework for the Scottish Workforce
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
Policy position on the use of restrictive practices
Self-evaluation tool: The use of restrictive practices
Rights, risks and limits to freedom: Good practice guide (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland)
What can you expect from your care worker? (SSSC)
National Occupational Standards Navigator (SSSC)
The Standard for Full Registration (GTCS)
Continuous professional learning for registrants (SSSC)
Codes, Rights and Keeping The Promise (SSSC)
Children’s Rights Skills and Knowledge Framework (Together Scotland)
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Education Programme (CEOP)
Leadership in social services: Leading others (SSSC)
Leading for outcomes: Children and young people (IRISS)
Quality improvement tools and resources
3.3 Staffing levels meet children and young people’s needs, with staff working well together
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
Safe Staffing Programme: Children and Young People
Guidance for providers on the assessment of staffing levels
What can you expect from your care worker? (SSSC)
The Standard for Full Registration (GTCS)
Key question 4: How good is our setting?
4.1 Children and young people experience high-quality facilities
The Health and Social Care Standards
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
Guide for care providers in Scotland using CCTV in their services
Guidance and good practice on encouraging outdoor activities in residential childcare
National Infection Prevention and Control Manual
Scotland’s Big Book of Accident Prevention (RoSPA)
Control of Legionella in hot and cold water systems in care services/settings using temperature
Managing the risk from hot water and surfaces in health and social care
Avoiding falls from windows or balconies in health and social care premises
4.2 The setting enables children and young people to thrive and develop their independence
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
Designing with Care: Interior Design and Residential Child Care
Guidance and good practice on encouraging outdoor activities in residential childcare
Trauma sensitive practice with children in care (IRISS)
Attachment informed practice with looked after children and young people (IRISS)
Policy position on the use of restrictive practices
Self-evaluation tool: The use of restrictive practices
Rights, risks and limits to freedom: Good practice guide (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland)
Learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges: service design and delivery (NICE)
Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management
The SPELL Framework (National Autistic Society)
An independent guide to quality care for autistic people (National Autistic Taskforce)
4.3 Children and young people can be connected with and involved in the wider community
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
Throughcare and Aftercare Services in Scotland’s Local Authorities: A National Study (CELCIS)
The Support and Assistance of Young People Leaving Care (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2015
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 10 - Aftercare
Children and Young people (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 11 – Continuing Care
Guidance for services on the provision of continuing care, throughcare, and aftercare
Your Right to Continuing Care (CELCIS)
Attachment informed practice with looked after children and young people (IRISS)
Staying Put Scotland: Providing care leavers with connectedness and belonging
The keys to life: Improving quality of life for people with learning disabilities
Understanding personal outcomes (SSSC)
Supporting positive relationships for children and young people who have experience of care (IRISS)
Key question 5: How well is our care and support planned?
5.1 Assessment and care planning reflects children and young people’s needs and wishes
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
Guide for providers on personal planning: Children and young people
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Understanding personal outcomes (SSSC)
Guidance on Health Assessments for Looked After Children and Young People in Scotland
Anticipatory Care Planning: Guidance for health and care professionals
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: Good practice guides
Policy position on the use of restrictive practices
Self-evaluation tool: The use of restrictive practices
Rights, risks and limits to freedom: Good practice guide (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland)
Leading for outcomes: A guide (IRISS)
Leading for outcomes: Children and young people (IRISS)
Practice Guide: Involving children and young people in improving services
7 Golden Rules of Participation
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
What matters to who matters? The Promise Reflection Cards
Young Voices in Decision-Making: Participation Framework (Government for Ireland)
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
5.2 Parents, carers and families are involved
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
Parental Rights and Responsibilities under Children (Scotland) Act 1995
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Leading for outcomes: A guide (IRISS)
Key question 6: What is our capacity to keep the promise and ensure children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected – so that they realise their full potential?
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
Leading for outcomes: A guide (IRISS)
Leading for outcomes: Children and young people (IRISS)
Codes, Rights and Keeping The Promise (SSSC)
Children’s Rights Skills and Knowledge Framework (Together Scotland)
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
Our Hearings Our Voice: Seeing beyond the surface – What children and young people wish adults knew
What matters to who matters? The Promise Reflection Cards
Young Voices in Decision-Making: Participation Framework (Government for Ireland)
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
Key question 7: How well do we support children and young people’s rights and wellbeing?
7.1 Children and young people are safe, feel loved and get the most out of life
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
The Scottish Care Leavers Covenant
National Guidance for Child Protection 2021 – updated 2023
Practice guide to chronologies 2017
Guidance on effective safeguarding for boards of governors in independent schools
Criminal Exploitation of Children (CEC) Framework for Practice
Codes, Rights and Keeping The Promise (SSSC)
Children’s Rights Skills and Knowledge Framework (Together Scotland)
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Trauma sensitive practice with children in care (IRISS)
Attachment informed practice with looked after children and young people (IRISS)
Supporting positive relationships for children and young people who have experience of care (IRISS)
Transforming Psychological Trauma: A Knowledge and Skills Framework for the Scottish Workforce
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: Good practice guides
Policy position on the use of restrictive practices
Self-evaluation tool: The use of restrictive practices
Rights, risks and limits to freedom: Good practice guide (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland)
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
The Real Toolkit for People with Care Experience
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
The Scottish Care Leavers Covenant
National Guidance for Child Protection 2021 – updated 2023
Practice guide to chronologies 2017
Guidance on effective safeguarding for boards of governors in independent schools
Criminal Exploitation of Children (CEC) Framework for Practice
Codes, Rights and Keeping The Promise (SSSC)
Children’s Rights Skills and Knowledge Framework (Together Scotland)
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Trauma sensitive practice with children in care (IRISS)
Attachment informed practice with looked after children and young people (IRISS)
Supporting positive relationships for children and young people who have experience of care (IRISS)
Transforming Psychological Trauma: A Knowledge and Skills Framework for the Scottish Workforce
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: Good practice guides
Policy position on the use of restrictive practices
Self-evaluation tool: The use of restrictive practices
Rights, risks and limits to freedom: Good practice guide (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland)
Guide for providers on personal planning: Children and young people
National Trauma Transformation Programme (TURAS Learn)
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
Know your rights folder - YP website version
Understanding personal outcomes (SSSC)
Guidance on Health Assessments for Looked After Children and Young People in Scotland
Anticipatory Care Planning: Guidance for health and care professionals
Continuing Care and the Welfare Assessment: Practice Note
The Scottish Care Leavers Covenant
Understanding personal outcomes (SSSC)
Children and Young people (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 11 – Continuing Care
Principles of Good Transitions 3 – Autism Supplement (Scottish Transitions Forum)
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: Good practice guides
Guidance and good practice on encouraging outdoor activities in residential childcare
Celebrating success: what helps looked after children succeed
Guide for care providers in Scotland using CCTV in their services
7.2 Leaders and staff have the capacity and resources to meet and champion children and young people’s needs and rights
The Health and Social Care Standards
Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Independent Care Review (the promise)
Bairns’ Hoose: Final Standards
Matching Looked After Children and Young People: Admissions Guidance for Residential Services
National Guidance for the External Management of Residential Child Care Establishments in Scotland
Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 10 - Aftercare
Children and Young people (Scotland) Act 2014: Guidance on Part 11 – Continuing Care
Guidance for services on the provision of continuing care, throughcare, and aftercare
Your Right to Continuing Care (CELCIS)
Leading for outcomes: A guide (IRISS)
Leading for outcomes: Children and young people (IRISS)
Practice Guide: Involving children and young people in improving services
7 Golden Rules of Participation
Framing Toolkit Each and Every Child
Our Hearings Our Voice: Seeing beyond the surface – What children and young people wish adults knew
What matters to who matters? The Promise Reflection Cards
Young Voices in Decision-Making: Participation Framework (Government for Ireland)
Decision-making: children and young people’s participation
Principles of Good Transitions 3 (Scottish Transitions Forum)
Continuing Care and the Welfare Assessment: Practice Note
Continuing Care and Co: Conversation Openers
Safer Recruitment Through Better Recruitment
Guidance for providers on the assessment of staffing levels
Safe Staffing Programme: Children and Young People
Quality improvement tools and resources
What can you expect from your care worker? (SSSC)
Health and Social Care Standards
The new Health and Social Care Standards came into effect in April 2018. The new Standards replace the National Care Standards and are now relevant across all health and social care provision.
View Page