§ Blog · 7 min read

How to prepare for an Ofsted inspection: a nursery's guide

Few things raise a nursery manager's blood pressure like the words "Ofsted are here." The good news: a setting that runs well every day has very little to fear from an inspection. This guide explains how the process works, what inspectors look at, and the practical steps to get - and stay - ready.

How the inspection process works

Ofsted inspects early years providers on the Early Years Register against the EYFS framework. From September 2026, settings receive a report card with grades across several evaluation areas rather than a single overall judgement. Inspectors agree their arrival time with leaders when they notify the setting, and Ofsted can inspect without notice where necessary, so the best preparation is to be ready year-round.

What inspectors look at

Under the current approach, inspectors evaluate a setting across several areas, including:

• Curriculum and teaching - what you want children to learn, how they learn it, and the progress they make.
• Inclusion - how well you support all children, including those with SEND, disadvantaged children, and children known to social care.
• Leadership and how the setting is run.
• Safeguarding - judged simply as met or not met, reflecting that keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility.

The new grades range from Exceptional and Strong standard through Expected standard to Needs attention and Urgent improvement.

A step-by-step checklist to prepare

Records and evidence to have ready

• Safeguarding policy, current and reflecting the September 2025 EYFS requirements.
• Staff suitability, DBS and recruitment records.
• Training records, including safeguarding and paediatric first aid.
• Attendance registers, accident and incident logs.
• Learning records linked to the EYFS areas of learning.

Staff, ratios and safeguarding

• Confirm ratios meet the EYFS minimums for every age group, including cover for absence.
• Make sure every staff member knows the designated safeguarding lead and basic procedures.
• Check first aid certificates are valid.

The learning environment

• Review risk assessments and the safety of premises and equipment.
• Be ready to explain your curriculum intent - what children learn and why.

On the day

Stay calm and be yourself. Have your evidence easy to find, brief your team so everyone knows where information is, and be ready to talk honestly about your strengths and the things you're working on. Inspectors want to see your real practice, not a performance.

If the notification included an inspector's name, the free Inspector Briefings search shows the verified published-report coverage before you decide whether a one-off briefing would help your team prepare.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving preparation until you're notified - readiness is a year-round habit.
• Out-of-date policies or training records.
• Evidence scattered across folders, files and people's memories.
• Staff who aren't clear on safeguarding procedures.

Frequently asked questions