How to Prepare for an Ofsted Inspection: A Manager's Checklist
Ofsted inspections are less stressful when you have already done the work. Here is a practical manager's checklist for the days, weeks and months before the call.
No nursery manager sleeps well the night before an Ofsted inspection. But the settings that cope best are the ones that prepare little and often, rather than scrambling in the final 24 hours.
Preparation is not about creating new evidence. It is about making the evidence you already have easy to find, easy to explain and consistent across the team.
Three months before: get the foundations right
- [ ] Safeguarding policy, Single Central Record and DSL training are all in date.
- [ ] Staff supervision records show regular conversations about practice and wellbeing.
- [ ] Your SEF is current and includes honest weaknesses with actions.
- [ ] Curriculum planning is visible: intent, implementation and impact are written down.
- [ ] Key groups are tracked, especially SEND, EAL and disadvantaged children.
- [ ] Attendance and lateness are monitored and followed up.
One month before: tighten the story
- [ ] Pick three children the inspector might follow and make sure their files tell a clear story.
- [ ] Check that observations lead to planning and next steps.
- [ ] Review your most recent staff meeting minutes: do they reflect your priorities?
- [ ] Test your complaints and safeguarding reporting routes.
- [ ] Make sure managers and deputies know the latest EYFS and KCSIE updates.
The week before: practical readiness
- [ ] Rooms are tidy, labelled and resourced for the age group.
- [ ] Displays show children's current learning, not last term's projects.
- [ ] Staff rotas cover the inspection window.
- [ ] Key person groups are known and consistent.
- [ ] Any outstanding maintenance is logged and actioned.
The day before the call: calm, not panic
- [ ] Check the Single Central Record one more time.
- [ ] Print or bookmark your key policies.
- [ ] Brief the team on arrival windows and roles.
- [ ] Make sure someone can cover the door, the phone and the rooms.
- [ ] Go home at a normal time. Tired managers make poor witnesses.
On the day: show what you do
Inspectors want to see normal practice. Do not put on a special show. Do make sure:
- Staff know the names of key children and can talk about their progress
- Safeguarding is visibly prioritised
- Children are engaged, safe and happy
- Paperwork is accessible if asked for
The one question every manager should be able to answer
What are your priorities for improvement, and how do you know they are the right ones?
If you can answer that with evidence, you are already most of the way there.
Ofsted preparation is not a one-off event. It is the result of doing the right things consistently, then being ready to show them.
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