Are You Ready For Ofsted? Our Mock OFSTED Inspections Give You The Answer - And the roadmap to outst

 At Hopscotch, we bring together extensive inspection experience and practical consultancy expertise. Our consultants have inspected thousands of early years settings and supported hundreds of providers to strengthen practice, improve outcomes for children and prepare confidently for inspection.

We understand that inspection is about far more than a single day. It is about demonstrating how children achieve, belong and thrive through strong leadership, effective safeguarding, an ambitious curriculum and high-quality practice. Whether supporting a setting preparing for its first inspection, aiding a nursery in danger of closure by the authorities, responding to previous inspection findings, or striving to demonstrate the strongest possible practice, our mock inspections provide an authentic and supportive experience that reflects current inspection expectations.

Our mock Ofsted inspections are conducted by experienced, current Early Years inspectors against the current Inspection Framework. They provide a realistic inspection experience and robust professional challenge while still recommending practical recommendations to support ongoing improvement - they're the closest thing you'll get to the real thing.

 Your inspection begins with a planning call the day before, offering you a flavour of the process used by inspectors. *Where possible, unless previously agreed, this call will take place between 12-1pm and both the Notification and Planning call elements will be completed in one call; however, if required, a second call can be arranged later in the day (usually around 4pm).

During this conversation, your consultant will discuss key information about the setting, including children on roll, staffing arrangements, attendance, children with additional needs, safeguarding information and any contextual factors that may help inform the visit. Leaders will have the opportunity to explain their setting, share current priorities and discuss any areas they would particularly like explored during the inspection.

On arrival (usually between 8am and 9am, confirmed on the Planning Call), your consultant will meet with leaders to confirm the arrangements for the day and discuss how evidence will be gathered.

Together, we will agree a flexible timetable that allows inspection activities to take place while ensuring the nursery continues to operate as normal. We will confirm information shared on the planning call and agree upon Case Sampling Children.

Following initial discussions, you will have the opportunity to guide your consultant around the setting, greet staff, meet children and gain understanding the layout of your setting.

Your day will likely begin with a review of key documentation including DBS, PFA certificates and qualifications. You will discuss with your consultant your safer recruitment practices, staff training, record keeping, risk management, information sharing, leadership (including DSL) oversight and share the safeguarding culture you have created within the setting. 

Throughout the visit, you will observe the setting alongside your consultant observing daily practice, routines and interactions across the provision, reflecting on the current Ofsted Toolkit.

Observations focus on how effectively practitioners support children's learning, development and wellbeing; how children engage with the curriculum; and how routines contribute to children's sense of safety, belonging and achievement.

Where appropriate, observations may include professional discussions with leaders regarding the quality of practice observed and how monitoring, coaching and professional development contribute to continuous improvement.

Towards the end of the visit, leaders will engage in a detailed discussion about leadership and governance. This conversation explores self-evaluation, improvement planning, staff development, wellbeing, inclusion, compliance, partnership working and the impact leadership has on children's experiences and outcomes.

Consultants will speak with practitioners about their key children, safeguarding responsibilities, curriculum knowledge, support for children's development and understanding of the setting's routines and expectations.

Where appropriate, discussions with children help us understand their experiences, interests and sense of belonging within the setting. 

 *Please note, unless previously agreed, we do not plan to speak to parents during our visits, as we believe the focus of the day should be genuine CPD, and not to be confused with actual regulatory reviews, visits and inspections 

Throughout your day, we will continually reflect upon the Ofsted Toolkit (and Early Years Statutory Framework), considering the evidence gathered during discussions and evaluations. Around midday, a Grading Discussion will be offered; here evidence is discussed and a tentative grading, against each area of the toolkit, will be shared. There will also be opportunities to discuss where further evidence is required to confirm gradings. 

At the conclusion of the visit, leaders receive comprehensive verbal feedback. This includes strengths identified during the inspection, areas for further development and practical recommendations for improvement. Feedback is structured around the areas within the Early Years Inspection Toolkit and provides clear guidance to support future development.

Rather than focusing solely on a headline judgement, our approach helps leaders understand the evidence behind our findings and the actions that will have the greatest impact on children.

Within 72 hours, you will receive a detailed written report. The report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the setting against the Early Years Inspection Toolkit, based on the evidence gathered during both the Planning Call and during your inspection.

The report highlights strengths, identifies areas for development and provides practical recommendations that can be incorporated into improvement plans, staff development programmes and inspection preparation activities.

For settings seeking additional support, our specialist consultants can work alongside leaders to implement recommendations and drive sustained improvement.