Preparing for an Outstanding Ofsted Inspection: A Nursery Manager’s Essential Guide

Preparing for an Ofsted inspection can feel daunting, but with clear planning, confident leadership, and a culture of continuous improvement, it is absolutely achievable to secure that coveted OUTSTANDING grading. Having asked various Nursery Managers who have achieved excellence, I wanted to share practical steps and insights that other nursery managers can take to ensure they’re not just ready for inspection day but consistently delivering excellent care and education every day.

Below is a comprehensive checklist and explanation of key areas to prepare for your next Ofsted inspection.

Understand the Education Inspection Framework (EIF)

Start by thoroughly reading and understanding the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and Early Years Inspection Handbook.

Focus on the four key judgements:

• Quality of education

• Behaviour and attitudes

• Personal development

• Leadership and management

How to Prepare:

• Hold staff meetings to go over the EIF, breaking down what “Outstanding” looks like in each area.

• Encourage all staff to familiarise themselves with the language Ofsted uses.

• Use the judgement areas as the foundation for your ongoing self-evaluation.

Ensure Your Curriculum is Clear, Cohesive and Ambitious

Ofsted will look closely at your curriculum intent, implementation, and impact. They’ll want to see how what you teach improves children’s outcomes.

How to Prepare:

• Document your curriculum clearly—what do you want children to learn and why?

• Make sure your curriculum is sequenced and builds on children’s prior knowledge and experiences.

• Train staff to confidently articulate your curriculum intent and how they implement it in daily activities.

Keep Policies, Procedures, and Paperwork Up to Date

Inspectors will review a wide range of documentation, especially in safeguarding.

Must-Have Documents Include:

• Safeguarding policies (reviewed and signed off)

• Accident/incident logs

• Risk assessments

• Staff training records

• SEN support plans

• Complaints log

• Staff recruitment checks and DBS records

• Fire drill logs

How to Prepare:

• Audit your paperwork well in advance.

• Ensure easy access for the inspector—have everything organised in one place, either digitally or in a file.

Make Safeguarding a Strength

Safeguarding is the non-negotiable. You cannot be outstanding without exemplary safeguarding.

How to Prepare:

• Conduct regular safeguarding audits.

• Make sure all staff know the signs of abuse and the correct reporting procedures.

• Test staff knowledge with scenario-based questions in team meetings.

• Ensure DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads) are up to date with training.

Train Your Staff to Shine

Ofsted will speak directly with your team—make sure they’re confident, knowledgeable, and proud of their practice.

How to Prepare:

• Carry out mock Ofsted interviews with staff.

• Share likely questions (e.g., "How do you support children's communication and language?" or "How do you challenge the more able children?")

• Encourage reflective practice—staff should explain the “why” behind what they do, not just the “what.”

Embed Strong Leadership and Management Practices

Inspectors will want to see a clear vision and evidence that leaders are driving improvements.

How to Prepare:

• Keep your self-evaluation form (SEF) updated.

• Have a clear improvement plan, showing what you’ve achieved and what you’re working on.

• Ensure you regularly observe and give feedback to staff.

• Maintain strong communication with parents and incorporate their feedback.

Demonstrate Excellent Outcomes for Children

Ultimately, it’s about the children. Inspectors will be observing whether children are happy, engaged, learning, and developing.

How to Prepare:

• Have evidence of children's learning journeys, assessments, and next steps.

• Show how you support all children, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Make sure routines and transitions are smooth and support children's independence.

Prepare the Environment

The learning environment reflects your standards. It should be safe, stimulating, and welcoming.

How to Prepare:

• Check for any health and safety concerns.

• Ensure all learning areas are engaging and purposeful.

• Display children’s work to celebrate their achievements.

• Review your outdoor provision—it should offer rich learning opportunities, not just free play.

Engage Parents and the Community

Parental engagement is an important part of leadership and personal development.

How to Prepare:

• Gather recent parent feedback through surveys or conversations.

• Involve parents in learning—through stay-and-play sessions, workshops, and regular communication.

• Build partnerships with local schools, charities, and community groups.

Practise for the Big Day

Consider running a mock inspection. Invite a critical friend (another manager or consultant) to assess your setting objectively.

Mock Inspections Should Cover:

• Leadership interviews

• Learning walks

• Staff knowledge checks

• Safeguarding scenarios

• Curriculum discussions

• Paperwork spot-checks

Final Preparation Checklist

• All policies up to date and accessible

• Staff trained and confident

• Curriculum clearly documented and embedded in practice

• Safeguarding robust and well-understood

• Strong evidence of impact on children’s learning and development

• Self-evaluation and improvement plans in place

• Environment safe, welcoming and stimulating

• Parental engagement and community links established

Final Thoughts

Achieving an Outstanding rating is a journey, not a one-off effort. Create a culture of continuous reflection, learning, and improvement, where staff feel valued and children thrive. When Ofsted arrives, they should see what you do every single day, not a polished performance for their benefit.

If you prepare thoroughly and lead your team with confidence and clarity, you’ll give your setting the best possible chance of being recognised as truly Outstanding.

If you found this helpful, feel free to connect and share your own tips or experiences. Supporting one another as leaders in Early Years benefits you all—and most importantly, the children in your care.