Wed 07 May 2025
There’s something about inspection day that puts even the most confident managers on edge.
You could have an amazing team, a buzzing setting, and happy children, but as soon as the inspector walks in, your brain starts racing.
Is that display too old? Should I have hoovered that corner? Why did Josh decide today’s the day to wear socks on his hands?
It’s a lot. And after years of helping nurseries prepare for “the call,” here’s what I can tell you for certain:
Ofsted isn’t looking for perfect. They’re looking for authentic.
So what are they looking for?
In short — they want to see that you know your children, support your staff, and understand how your setting runs. That’s it.
Here’s what will really matter on the day:
1. You’re leading with confidence and honesty
This doesn’t mean having all the answers memorises. It means knowing your setting inside out and being open about what’s going well and what’s still a work in progress. Inspectors value honesty far more than polished scripts.
2. You’re prepared, not panicked
If you’ve done a proper walkaround that morning, tidied your priorities (not just the shelves), and checked in with staff, you’re already ahead. It’s not about being showy. It’s about being ready.
3. Your team understands their role
They don’t need to quote the EYFS word for word, but they should be able to talk about what their key children need, what they’re working on, and how they support learning every day. That confidence comes from you and how you’ve led up to the day.
4. You’ve got your documents to hand
Have a printed folder or digital folder ready with:
Safeguarding policy
Your staff list and DBS numbers
PFA certificates
Attendance and absence logs
SEN support notes and key child trackers
This isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about showing that you’re on top of your responsibilities.
5. The children are being themselves
Honestly? This is one of the best signs of a strong setting. If your children are engaged, relaxed, and interacting naturally that says more than any display ever could.
It’s OK if something goes wrong. Your kettle might break, your deputy might call in sick, a child might have a meltdown in the middle of the learning walk. What matters most is how you respond. Stay calm, keep things moving, and trust your instincts. The inspector is watching that just as much as they’re watching the room.
To make things easier, I’ve pulled together a one-page Inspection Day Checklist you can print, share with your team, or stick on your staffroom noticeboard.
It includes: ✔ What to check that morning
✔ What to prep the day before
✔ What documents to have ready
✔ Calm-down prompts for you and your team
👉 Click here to download the Inspection Day Checklist
Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
Kate x