How to Prepare for an Estyn Inspection: A Guide for Post-16 Providers

At Estyn, we’re committed to helping providers improve the quality of education and training, ensuring positive outcomes for all learners in Wales. Inspections are an integral part of this process, evaluating current standards, identifying strengths, and highlighting areas for growth. Our aim is to support providers on their journey toward excellence.
We understand that inspections can sometimes feel challenging, but they are designed to be a collaborative experience. Our inspectors are here to work with you, and we don’t expect perfection. Instead, we want to see a genuine reflection of your everyday practices and learner experiences.
What we look for during inspections
- A typical week of activity: We want to observe the day-to-day experiences of your learners and staff. Plan as usual for your classes, sessions, or workshops during the inspection—there’s no need to over-prepare.
- On-the-ground observations: Our inspectors focus on what’s happening in real time and actively listen to your learners to understand their perspectives.
- Highlighting strengths and areas for improvement: Inspections are an opportunity to celebrate what’s working well and identify ways to enhance the learner experience further.
There’s no need to create additional paperwork or follow specific teaching or assessment methods. What matters most is how your approaches support learners’ progress and development. We’re looking for authentic practices that make a difference.
Ready Already! for an Estyn Inspection
We believe that providers across Wales are already prepared for an Estyn inspection. By focusing on delivering quality education and training every day, you’re demonstrating the readiness we’re looking for.
Want to see what an Estyn inspection really looks like? Watch these videos from Cardiff and Vale College and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai for an honest reflection of the process:
To learn more about how you’re Ready Already! for an Estyn inspection, visit our campaign page here: