School Inspection Readiness Checklist (UK)

A free downloadable checklist for headteachers, governors and school business managers preparing for Ofsted inspection.

Inspection readiness is not a last-minute document hunt - it's evidence that your school's normal governance rhythm is working. Use this checklist year-round, not just when notice arrives.

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1. Policy Readiness

Policy inventory

• A complete policy register exists, covering all statutory and non-statutory policies
• Policies are categorised appropriately (safeguarding, governance, operational, HR)
• Current versions of all policies are accessible in a single location

Review status

• Last review dates are recorded for every policy
• Next review dates are recorded and visible
• Overdue policies have been identified and flagged for review

Approval evidence

• Governor approval records are available for policies requiring board sign-off
• Board minutes confirm approval decisions, with dates
• Approval dates are recorded within the policy documents themselves

Publication status

• Website versions of published policies are current and match the approved versions
• All policies required under the DfE's publication guidance are present on the school website
• Public-facing documents have been checked for currency and accuracy

2. Governance Readiness

Board documentation

• Board minutes are available for all full governing board meetings this academic year
• Committee minutes are available where committees have been established
• Governor attendance records are available and accurately reflect participation

Governance decisions

• Key decisions made by the governing board are documented in minutes
• Approval records for policies, budgets and significant decisions are available
• Action-tracking records show how decisions have been followed up

Board oversight

• Evidence of policy oversight is available - governors have reviewed and approved policies
• Safeguarding oversight is documented - the governing board has received safeguarding updates
• Financial oversight records are available, including budget approval and financial monitoring

3. Safeguarding Readiness

Documentation

• The Child Protection Policy is current and reflects the latest edition of KCSIE
• The Safeguarding Policy is current and has been reviewed this academic year
• Online safety documentation is current and meets KCSIE requirements

Governance oversight

• Safeguarding updates from the DSL have been reported to the governing board
• Governor safeguarding responsibilities are documented and understood
• Evidence of board-level safeguarding oversight is available in board minutes

Training records

• Relevant training records for staff are available (including DSL and deputy DSL training)
• Governor safeguarding training is recorded and current
• Monitoring activity and safeguarding review documentation are available

4. Website and Publication Readiness

• The school website has been reviewed for publication compliance
• Published policies are current and match the approved versions held internally
• Governance information required for publication is present (governor details, register of business interests)
• Required information is accessible - links are working and documents can be opened
• Links to published documents have been tested and are functioning correctly

5. Building an Inspection Access Pack

A well-organised inspection access pack typically includes:

Policy records

• Current policy register (all policies, with review dates and approval records)
• Copies of high-priority policies: child protection, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, SEND
• Evidence that policies reflect the latest statutory guidance

Governance records

• Board minutes for the current academic year
• Committee minutes (finance, curriculum, HR as applicable)
• Policy approval records cross-referenced with minutes
• Governor attendance register

Safeguarding evidence

• Child Protection Policy with current KCSIE version reference
• DSL's safeguarding update reports to the governing board
• Training records for staff and governors
• Oversight documentation

Website publication records

• Confirmation of current publication status for all required policies
• Date the website was last checked for compliance
• Log of any identified gaps and actions taken

Key school information

• School development plan or improvement priorities
• Progress monitoring evidence
• Evidence of governance challenge and support

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This checklist is a practical readiness guide for governance self-review. It does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of Ofsted compliance - always confirm current requirements against the latest DfE and Ofsted guidance.

Edvance helps UK school leaders track policy readiness, governance evidence and inspection readiness in one place. Start a free trial ->

Source articles: Inspection Readiness for UK Schools, Inspection Readiness Checklist for School Leaders