A warm welcome to Circle.

Hello, my name is Zoe Duggan, and thank you for taking the time to look at Circle.

I founded this consultancy to offer practical help and supportive guidance to settings. I draw on deep knowledge and experience across early years, education, further education and Playwork. My focus is on advisory support and training—leveraging my experience to drive positive change and benefit your setting's practice.

To deliver the most comprehensive service, I collaborate with a network of high-calibre early years professionals from across the UK who I am lucky to call friends. Each professional brings a variety of specialities, allowing us to deliver a truly bespoke solution tailored to your setting's specific needs.

Expertise and Background:

My background provides a unique, comprehensive foundation for the support I offer:

• Ofsted EYRI: I previously worked as an Ofsted Early Years Regulatory Inspector, undertaking planned and unannounced inspections. My responsibilities included the inspection and investigation of providers where complaints, concerns, and notifications were made. This experience means I am highly skilled in observing, evaluating practice, and providing clear, actionable steps for improvement.
• Practitioner & Leader: I am an experienced and knowledgeable childcare practitioner, leader and manager. I am a passionate advocate dedicated to achieving the best outcomes and raising standards for children and young adults. My background includes successfully establishing and managing a multi-site childcare business from inception and contributing actively as an Early Years representative on numerous advisory committees.
• Academic Credentials: My comprehensive understanding spans early years through primary, including Playwork and further education. Academically, I hold a 2:1 BA Hons in Early Childhood Practice, am a qualified Early Years Teacher, and possess a Level 5 Cert Ed in Further Education, which I currently use as a college lecturer.

As an independent consultant, I leverage this expertise to support settings in overcoming challenges and strengthening their practice. My services provide clear direction on quality, compliance, and safeguarding, as well as tailored practice solutions.

• Inspection Support: I offer practical support both before (mock-inspections) and after inspections. This includes immediate assistance with Welfare Requirement Notices and emergency action planning following poor Ofsted inspection outcomes.

• Bespoke Improvement: I can assist with quality audits, identifying training needs, and providing recommendations and practical advice for improved practice specifically designed to meet your setting's unique needs.

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