Estyn Inspections: A Guide for Welsh Primary Teachers
Estyn is Wales's school inspection body — different from Ofsted in important ways. Here's what Welsh primary teachers need to know about how Estyn inspections work under the Curriculum for Wales.
Preview
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How Estyn inspections work
- 1 Estyn Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales. Independent body that inspects schools in Wales. Different from Ofsted (England), HMIe (Scotland), or ETI (NI).
- 2 Inspection cycle Most Welsh primary schools are inspected every 6 years. Schools causing concern may be inspected more frequently. Core inspections typically last 3-4 days.
- 3 Inspection framework Estyn's current framework (revised for CfW 2022) asks four key questions: 1. How well do learners achieve and enjoy their learning? 2. How good is the quality of learning experiences? 3. How good is the school's leadership and management? 4. How good are the school's care, support and guidance?
- 4 Judgement scale Excellent / Good / Adequate / Unsatisfactory (Rhagorol / Da / Digonol / Anfoddhaol). Unlike Ofsted's 'Outstanding', Estyn's top grade is 'Rhagorol'.
- 5 Welsh language Estyn specifically inspects Welsh language provision — whether schools meet their language category obligations and whether Welsh is used naturally throughout school life.
- 6 Self-evaluation Estyn places significant weight on the school's own self-evaluation. Schools should have honest, evidence-based self-evaluation processes before inspection.
Learning objective
Explain what Estyn is and how it differs from Ofsted; describe the four key inspection questions; and understand what Estyn looks for around Welsh language provision.
About this resource
Estyn and Welsh education resources
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For teachers
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E Estyn inspection framework — free at estyn.gov.wales
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C Curriculum for Wales framework — free at hwb.gov.wales
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S Self-evaluation toolkit for Welsh schools
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