Inspection explained

A teacher is showing a student how to use a microscope in a science class.

Estyn carry out inspections with the aim of improving the quality of education and training for all learners in Wales.

We have a new approach to inspection across Wales and our reports will detail how well providers are helping learners to learn.

Find out more about inspection in our sections below.

A child in a school uniform is writing in a notebook with a pencil while looking attentively at the teacher.

What’s the purpose of inspection?

Here are the key reasons for inspection.

  • To evaluate the quality and standards of education and training
  • To identify strengths and areas for improvement
  • To support providers in their journey towards excellence
  • To inform parents, carers, and the wider community about the quality of education provided

What are the key stages of inspection?

There are 6 key stages of inspection, read about them here.

The key stages of inspection

Our mindset

Find out more about our mindset and principles of inspection.

Principles of inspection

Frequently asked questions

Read our collection of frequently asked questions regarding each sector.

Frequently asked questions – schools and PRUs
Frequently asked questions – post 16 sector

What and how we inspect

Below you’ll find “How we inspect” and “What we inspect” guidance handbooks for each sector in preparation for our new inspections arrangements which will be in place from September 2024.

What and how we inspect handbooks

More resources

We have a range of resources to support those working in education in raising standards for learners. Below is a quick guide to our improvement resources.

Improvement Resources Guide