What is a Mocksted Inspection?

If you work in early years, chances are you’ve heard the term “Mocksted” mentioned more and more over recent years. But what actually is a Mocksted inspection — and how can it help your nursery or setting?

A Mocksted inspection is essentially a practice Ofsted inspection carried out by an experienced early years professional or consultant. It is designed to mirror the inspection process as closely as possible, helping leaders and teams understand what is working well, identify areas for development and feel more prepared and confident ahead of their next inspection.

At Circle Early Years Consultancy, our Mocksted visits are supportive, realistic and tailored to your setting. The aim is never to “catch people out”, but to help teams reflect honestly on practice, feel empowered and move forward with greater confidence.

Not every setting likes the word “inspection”

Interestingly, many providers tell me they dislike the term Mocksted altogether because the word “inspection” immediately creates anxiety.

For that reason, some settings prefer terms such as:

• quality review
• quality assurance visit
• moderation visit
• practice review
• improvement visit

Ultimately, the title matters far less than the purpose behind it.

Whether a setting chooses to call it a Mocksted, quality review or moderation visit, the goal should always be the same:

• to support reflection
• strengthen practice
• celebrate what is working well
• identify realistic next steps
• improve outcomes for children

What happens during a Mocksted inspection?

Every consultant works slightly differently, but a high-quality Mocksted should closely reflect the real inspection experience.

Typically, this includes:

• a phone call the day before, similar to the Ofsted notification call
• discussions with leaders about curriculum, safeguarding and quality of education
• observations of practice across the setting
• learning walks
• discussions with practitioners
• scrutiny of documents and records
• consideration of safeguarding and welfare requirements
• feedback linked to the Early Years Inspection Framework

Following the visit, settings usually receive a detailed written report outlining strengths, areas for development and practical next steps.

The process gives leaders the opportunity to step back and view the setting through an inspection lens before the real thing happens.

“Ofsted is scary”

This is probably the phrase I hear most often from providers.

And honestly? I understand why many practitioners feel this way.

The inspection process can feel incredibly high stakes. Leaders and teams care deeply about children, staff and families, and inspections naturally bring pressure and emotion.

Having previously worked within inspection and regulation myself — and now supporting settings directly within the sector — I understand both perspectives. I also understand how it feels to be on the receiving end of difficult inspection experiences.

That is exactly why my approach is rooted in professionalism, honesty and kindness.

One thing settings consistently tell me after visits is:
“You made us feel at ease.”

That matters.

Practitioners do not perform at their best when they feel intimidated or frightened. When people feel threatened, we often see “fight, flight or freeze” responses — and that is not when reflective conversations or authentic practice shine through.

The best quality reviews create an atmosphere where practitioners feel safe enough to think, reflect and talk openly about their work.

Supportive does not mean dishonest

Being approachable and personable does not mean avoiding difficult conversations.

Good Mocksted feedback should still be honest, accurate and professionally grounded. Settings deserve clear feedback about strengths, inconsistencies and areas that require improvement.

However, there is a huge difference between constructive professional challenge and making people feel fearful.

At Circle Early Years Consultancy, I aim to balance both:

• realistic inspection insight
• practical advice
• sector knowledge
• supportive coaching
• honest professional reflection

Because ultimately, the goal is improvement — not judgement.

Why do settings book a Mocksted or quality review?

Settings choose to book external reviews for many different reasons.

Sometimes it is because:

• an inspection feels overdue
• leaders want reassurance
• there has been a recent Requires Improvement judgement
• a new manager has started
• staffing has changed significantly
• confidence within the team is low
• leaders want an external professional perspective
• settings want support embedding changes before re-inspection

Increasingly, providers are recognising that Mocksted inspections are not simply about “getting ready for Ofsted”. They are valuable tools for ongoing quality improvement and professional reflection.

A good review should help practitioners reflect on:

• the quality of interactions
• children’s experiences
• curriculum intent and implementation
• inclusion
• leadership and staff wellbeing
• safeguarding culture
• communication with parents
• how confidently staff talk about practice

A Mocksted is not about perfection

One of the biggest misconceptions around inspection preparation is that settings need to appear “perfect”.

In reality, strong settings are reflective, honest and continually improving.

A Mocksted inspection or quality review should help leaders understand:

• what is already working well
• where practice could be strengthened
• what matters most for children
• how to prioritise improvements realistically

Most importantly, it should leave teams feeling clearer, calmer and more confident than they did beforehand.

Thinking about booking a Mocksted or quality review?

If your setting would benefit from a supportive external review, Circle Early Years Consultancy would be happy to help.

Our approach combines inspection and regulatory knowledge with genuine understanding of the realities of working in early years today — always with the aim of supporting, empowering and strengthening practice.

Written by Zoe Duggan