Be ready for the knock

No notice. Ofsted says all inspections of children's homes are unannounced. Source: Ofsted SCCIF: children's homes

1. Someone is named to greet the inspector, check ID and give them a room to work in
2. Annex A is up to date and ready to send electronically (inspectors ask for it at the start)
3. Statement of Purpose is current and matches how the home actually runs
4. Every Reg 44 report is filed, with actions logged and signed off
5. The latest Reg 45 review is complete and has gone to Ofsted and the placing authorities
6. Each child's placement plan, risk assessments and placing-authority documents are on file, with chasers recorded
7. Incident, restraint and missing-from-care records are complete, reviewed and debriefed
8. Reg 40 notifications to Ofsted are logged with dates
9. Staff files and safer recruitment checks are complete, and the training matrix is current
10. Gas, electrical, fire risk assessment and other safety certificates are in date

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Can be unannounced. How much notice you get depends on the type of service and the reason for the visit. Source: CQC: how we assess services

1. The registered manager, or a named deputy, can be reached quickly
2. Care plans and risk assessments are current and reviewed
3. Medicine administration records are complete, with no unexplained gaps
4. Staff rotas match the staffing levels in your dependency tool
5. Recruitment files show DBS checks, references and right-to-work checks
6. The training matrix is current, including mandatory courses
7. Safeguarding, complaints and incident logs are up to date, with actions closed
8. Statutory notifications to CQC are logged with dates
9. Your own audits (medicines, infection control, care plans) are recent and show actions
10. Fire safety records, drills and personal evacuation plans are current

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Can be unannounced. Notice depends on the type of service and the reason for the visit. Source: CQC: how we assess services

1. A named person can greet the inspector and find records quickly
2. Infection prevention and control audits are recent, with actions closed
3. Emergency medicines and equipment are checked and logged
4. Staff recruitment files, DBS checks and professional registrations are current
5. Significant event and complaint logs show learning and follow-up
6. Safeguarding leads are named and staff training is current
7. Policies are reviewed and dated, and staff know where they are
8. Patient feedback is collected and acted on

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Short notice. Group settings usually get a call the working day before; Ofsted can still inspect without notice. Source: Ofsted early years inspection operating guide (from November 2025)

1. Someone knows how to take Ofsted's planning call and who to tell
2. Staff qualifications and paediatric first aid certificates are on file and in date
3. DBS checks and suitability records are complete for every adult
4. Ratios and key person allocations are recorded for each room
5. Accident, incident and medication records are complete
6. Safeguarding procedures and the designated lead are known to all staff
7. Risk assessments for indoor, outdoor and outings are current
8. Your curriculum intent can be explained by staff in their own words

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Short notice. Schools usually get a call the working day before. Source: Ofsted school inspection toolkit and operating guide

1. The single central record is complete and checked
2. Safeguarding records and referrals are up to date and secure
3. Attendance data and actions are ready to discuss
4. Curriculum plans and leaders' evaluations are current
5. Governors know the school's priorities and their own role
6. Behaviour and exclusion records are complete

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Unannounced. The GPhC has moved to unannounced pharmacy inspections. Source: The Pharmacist: GPhC confirms move towards unannounced inspections

1. The responsible pharmacist notice is displayed and the RP record is complete
2. Standard operating procedures are current, signed and followed
3. Controlled drug registers are accurate and balances checked
4. Fridge temperatures are recorded daily and out-of-range readings acted on
5. Near misses and dispensing errors are logged and reviewed
6. Staff training and registration records are on file
7. Patient confidentiality is protected at the counter and in waste

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Usually unannounced, so officers see the business as it runs day to day. Source: Coventry City Council: food hygiene inspections

1. Your food safety management system (such as Safer Food Better Business) is filled in and current
2. Fridge and freezer temperatures are recorded
3. Cleaning schedules are followed and signed
4. Allergen information is accurate for every dish
5. Staff hygiene training records are on file
6. Pest control visits and actions are recorded
7. Raw and ready-to-eat foods are kept apart
8. Handwash basins have soap, hot water and paper towels

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Can be unannounced. Source: Licensing Act 2003

1. The premises licence summary is displayed and the full licence is on site
2. The designated premises supervisor is named and contactable
3. Refusals register and age-verification policy are in use
4. Staff training records on licence conditions are signed
5. CCTV works and footage is kept as your conditions require
6. Door staff hold valid SIA licences and are logged
7. Incident book is up to date

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Can be unannounced, including test purchasing. Source: Gambling Commission

1. Licences and the premises licence are displayed as required
2. Age-verification checks are recorded and staff know the process
3. Safer gambling interactions are logged
4. Self-exclusion records are current and staff can recognise excluded customers
5. Anti-money laundering records and training are up to date
6. Local area risk assessment is current

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Test purchases happen with no warning. Source: Business Companion (Trading Standards guidance)

1. A written age-verification policy (such as Challenge 25) is in place
2. Every member of staff has signed training records on age-restricted sales
3. A refusals log is used and checked
4. Till prompts for age-restricted items are switched on
5. Signage is displayed where required

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Inspectors can enter at any reasonable time. Source: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, section 20

1. Risk assessments are written down if you have five or more workers, and reviewed
2. The health and safety policy is current and signed
3. Accident book and RIDDOR reports are up to date
4. Training records cover the risks staff face
5. Equipment inspections and maintenance are recorded
6. Fire risk assessment and drills are current
7. Employers' liability insurance certificate is in date

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Can be unannounced. Source: GOV.UK: right to work checks

1. A right-to-work check is on file for every worker, done before they started
2. Follow-up checks are diarised for time-limited permission
3. Payslips and hours records show pay at or above the minimum wage
4. Deductions and accommodation offsets are recorded
5. Contracts and written statements are on file

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Can be unannounced. Source: Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

1. Your licence is displayed and conditions are known to staff
2. Animal records (health, feeding, cleaning) are current
3. Emergency and fire plans are written and tested
4. Staff training records are on file
5. Vet contact details and treatment records are kept

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Spot checks can happen at venues without warning. Source: Security Industry Authority

1. Every deployed operative holds a valid SIA licence for the role
2. Licences are worn and visible while on duty
3. Deployment records match who was on shift
4. Licence expiry dates are tracked
5. Incident reports are completed and filed

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.

Can be unannounced. Source: Environment Agency

1. Your permit or exemption is current and covers what you handle
2. Waste transfer notes are complete and kept
3. Site records (inputs, outputs, stockpiles) are up to date
4. Fire prevention plan is in place where required
5. Staff training and technical competence records are on file

Your ticks are saved on this device only. This checklist is a starting point, not legal advice.