A practical checklist to help early years and childcare providers stay organised, inspection-ready, and able to evidence safeguarding and leadership oversight.
From November 2025, Ofsted inspections for early years settings operate under the renewed framework and report card approach. Safeguarding is considered separately as met or not met, and leadership and governance now place stronger emphasis on continuous oversight rather than last-minute preparation.
0% complete — tick each item as you check it
Check that you can evidence:
Inspectors consider whether safeguarding and workforce processes are embedded in day-to-day leadership practice, not treated as a one-off paperwork task.
Check that:
The EYFS framework from 1 September 2025 strengthened the requirement to obtain written references before employment starts.
Check that your central workforce suitability record or central suitability register is:
Many settings use a central record to make workforce checks easier to monitor and evidence, even though the EYFS does not prescribe one exact format.
Check that:
Make sure Update Service checks are only carried out with worker consent and where the provider is entitled to the same level of check.
Check that you can evidence:
The EYFS introduced Annex C from 1 September 2025, setting binding safeguarding training criteria.
Check that:
From September 2025, the EYFS requires a PFA-trained member of staff to be present in the room whenever children are eating.
Check that:
These are part of the updated safeguarding and welfare expectations in the EYFS framework.
Check that:
Leaders should be able to evidence clear oversight of who is working in the setting and on what basis.
Check that:
Before inspection, ask yourself:
Watch for:
Use this checklist as a working document with your team, not just as a one-off inspection exercise.
Printable PDFs to support your inspection preparation and workforce record keeping.
All 10 sections in a printable format. Work through it with your team before inspection.
A simple template to record worker consent for DBS Update Service status checks. Print and keep on file.
EntryComply provides practical templates and record-keeping support. These templates are general guidance only and do not replace the provider's responsibility to follow current DBS, safeguarding, EYFS, and Ofsted requirements.
This checklist is general guidance only. Inspection expectations can evolve, and providers should always refer to the latest Ofsted and Department for Education guidance alongside their own policies and professional advice.
EntryComply helps organise workforce documentation and governance records. EntryComply does not certify compliance, make suitability decisions, or guarantee inspection outcomes.
If your records feel scattered, inconsistent, or difficult to evidence, get in touch and we'll help you work out whether an Audit, Reset, or Monthly Support is the most practical next step.
EntryComply is a compliance tracking and evidence management service operated by Spur Support Ltd (Company No. 13474305).
This guidance is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Providers should refer to the current Ofsted inspection handbooks and statutory guidance for authoritative information. Providers remain solely responsible for suitability assessments and regulatory compliance decisions.