The key stages of inspection

Share this page

Notification

We inspect all education and training providers in Wales at least once during the six-year period, although there are a few exceptions. The current cycle is from 1 September 2024 to July 2030.
The notice period of inspection is different for each sector. The date of the next inspection is not linked to the date of the previous inspection. The notice periods for each sector are available here.

Preparation

Upon notification of inspection, providers will be asked to upload specific documents to our Virtual Inspection Room portal. During this period, the inspection team reviews key documents and data about the provider.

On-site Inspection

The inspection team, led by a Reporting Inspector, will spend time on-site with the provider and this will vary depending on the sector. During the visit, the team will gather a range of evidence to come to a fair and balanced evaluation. The team will:

  • Consider the feedback from learner/parent/staff/governor questionnaires
  • Observe lessons, learning and training activities
  • Meet with leaders, teachers/trainers, support staff, and governors
  • Speak with learners and listen to their views
  • Review learners’ work and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of leadership and management

Feedback and Reporting

At the end of the inspection, the Reporting Inspector will provide initial verbal feedback . This session includes:

  • Key findings of the inspection
  • Areas of strength and aspects needing improvement

A detailed written report will be published within 45 working days of the inspection. In most sectors, we have removed summative gradings from our reports so no longer give overall judgments such as ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’, ‘Adequate’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’ but our reports contain a detailed summary of key findings. All of our reports will be published on the Estyn website and will be available to the public.

Follow-up

At the end of an inspection, the team will consider whether follow-up activity is required. In maintained schools and PRUs, this is required by legislation. In other sectors, follow-up arrangements may include statutory follow-up categories and non-statutory arrangements for monitoring progress.

Find more detailed information on what and how we inspect for each sector:

Inspection Guidance Resources