Storybook published to help children understand inspection

A storybook has been published this week, designed to help children to understand what happens when the childcare service they attend is inspected.

The book “Our Nursery” (Ein Meithrin) was read aloud to children at Ysgol Feithrin Pontypwl by the chief inspectors of Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales on Thursday morning, 29 September 2022.

Written by the Welsh novelist, Manon Steffan Ros, the book reassures children that the visit is a normal day and that the inspectors are friendly and looking forward to speaking with them. 

The book, which has been sent to all childcare and play settings in Wales, was launched at Ysgol Feithrin Pontypwl as the setting was found to be an example of effective practice in the way it put outside play at the heart of learning, during its last inspection in March. 

Inspectors from Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales jointly inspect some childcare and play services in Wales, to reduce the burden on providers during inspection. The inspectorates wish to support practitioners and children through the inspection process, as well as sharing best practice.

Chief Inspector for Care Inspectorate Wales, Gillian Baranski said:

This delightful, simple story can be used at circle time to show children what our inspectors will do when they visit, and also encourage children to show the inspectors what they are doing. 

We want to help the very youngest learners to have their say about their care and education.

Chief Inspector for Estyn, Owen Evans said:

We are very pleased to have worked with Care Inspectorate Wales to publish this wonderful storybook. It reflects our commitment, alongside CIW to ensure that our approach is inclusive, transparent, and friendly.

We strive to ensure that learners are at the heart of our inspections and we are clear that it’s never too early to involve children in the inspection process. This book will be a great tool to encourage awareness of, and conversations about the inspection process.

A digital copy of the storybook can be found on the Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales websites.