Joint storybook to help children understand inspection

The book “Our Nursery” (Ein Meithrin Ni) 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, and illustrated by Paul Nicholls, the book reassures children that the visit is a normal day and inspectors are friendly and looking forward to speaking with them.

The launch took place 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.

Along with Estyn, we jointly inspect some childcare and play services in Wales, to reduce the burden on providers during inspection. This is to support practitioners and children through the inspection process, as well as sharing best practice.

Our Chief Inspector Gillian Baranski said:

This delightful, simple story can be used at circle time to show children what our inspectors do when they visit, and also encourage children to share with our inspectors what they are proud of. Working with our colleagues in Estyn to help the very youngest learners have their say about their care and education, is one of the many benefits of our joint inspection programme.

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 below.