Meet Zoe

I’m Zoe Duggan, founder of Circle Early Years Consultancy and a former Ofsted Early Years Regulatory Inspector (EYRI).

My experience spans Ofsted inspection and regulation, early years provision, safeguarding, teaching and leadership. Having worked as an EYRI, provider in childcare and playwork, practitioner and lecturer, I understand both the regulatory expectations placed on settings and the realities of putting them into practice.

Through Circle, I provide practical, evidence-informed consultancy, training and Ofsted support to nurseries, preschools and childminders, alongside safeguarding and professional development support for children’s residential services.

Experience across inspection, education and practice

Before establishing Circle, I worked directly with Ofsted in early years regulation and inspection. I have also established and managed early years provision, worked in practice and taught Early Years and Education within further and higher education.

I hold Early Years Teacher Status, a Certificate in Further Education and a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies.

This combination of inspection, regulatory, teaching and hands-on sector experience enables me to offer support that is informed by statutory requirements but grounded in the realities of working with children, families and staff.

How Circle can support your setting

Circle provides independent, bespoke support including mock Ofsted inspections, quality reviews, safeguarding consultancy, post-inspection support, Ofsted registration support and specialist training.

My approach is supportive but thorough. The aim is not simply to prepare for inspection, but to help leaders and teams understand what is working well, identify what could be stronger and make practical, sustainable improvements that benefit children.

To see the full range of support packages and services Circle offer, please visit Our Services