Education & Training UK-wide

Prepare for an Ofsted Inspection

How to prepare for an Ofsted inspection of your childcare setting. Covers what inspectors look for under Ofsted's renewed inspection framework, self-evaluation, evidence gathering, and how to handle the inspection day.

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Ofsted will inspect your childcare setting within 30 months of registration and then at least once within a 4-year window (introduced from April 2026), whatever your previous grades. Group providers normally receive a phone call the working day before the inspection; childminders may receive up to 5 working days' notice. Ofsted reserves the right to inspect unannounced.

The best preparation is not a last-minute effort but embedding good practice into your daily operations. This guide explains what inspectors look for and how to demonstrate quality provision.

Understanding report cards and grading

Under Ofsted's renewed inspection framework, in force from 10 November 2025, inspections result in a report card rather than a single-word judgement:

What inspectors assess

Inspectors grade each of the early years evaluation areas on the 5-point scale:

  • Inclusion: How well you identify and meet the needs of every child, including children with SEND and disadvantaged children
  • Curriculum and teaching: Your curriculum intent (what you want children to learn) and how effectively you teach it
  • Achievement: What children actually learn and remember, and how they progress from their starting points
  • Behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines: How children behave, their engagement in learning, and how your routines support them
  • Children's welfare and well-being: How you support children's physical and emotional health, confidence, resilience and independence
  • Leadership and governance: Your vision, staff development, governance, and self-evaluation

Safeguarding is judged separately as met or not met.

Essential documentation

Have the following readily available (not hidden in a filing cabinet):

  • Safeguarding policy (reviewed annually, signed by all staff)
  • Staff suitability records (DBS checks, references, qualifications, right to work)
  • Risk assessments (premises, activities, outings)
  • Fire drill records
  • Accident and incident records
  • Complaints log
  • Staff supervision and training records
  • Children's learning records and 2-year progress checks
  • Ofsted registration certificate and insurance certificates (displayed)

On the day

When the inspector arrives:

  • Stay calm. Continue your normal routines — inspectors want to see authentic practice, not a performance
  • Be honest. If you know an area needs improvement, say so and explain what you are doing about it
  • Talk confidently about your curriculum, safeguarding procedures, and how you meet individual children's needs
  • Ensure all staff can explain safeguarding procedures, the Prevent duty, and who the designated safeguarding lead is
  • Show impact: Demonstrate how children are progressing from their starting points