November 2025 Edition
Organise key documents before the call comes.
This practical HeadteacherChat checklist helps school leaders organise the key documents and information that schools may need to have ready for 8am on the first day of inspection. It is designed to reduce last-minute searching, support calm preparation and help leaders check that essential inspection information is accessible, accurate and up to date.
The checklist is structured around the main categories of information inspectors may request, including strategic documents, behaviour and attendance records, operational information and safeguarding documentation. It also includes space to record the location of each document and whether it is organised for inspection, making it a useful working tool for SLT, office teams and governors.
What’s included
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A clear checklist of documents schools may need ready for inspection
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Sections for strategic documents and school improvement priorities
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Governance document prompts for maintained schools and academies
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Behaviour and attendance evidence checklist
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Alternative provision, managed move and off-site direction prompts
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Bullying, harassment, discrimination and restrictive intervention record prompts
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Inclusion case-sampling information checklist
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Operational documents checklist, including timetable, staff list, Wi-Fi, school map and staff absence details
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Safeguarding information checklist, including SCR, DSL referrals, LADO referrals and pupils with open social care or multi-agency plans
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Columns to record document location and inspection preparation status
Who is it for?
This resource is ideal for:
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Headteachers
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Deputy headteachers
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Senior leadership teams
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School business managers
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Office/admin teams
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DSLs
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SENCOs and inclusion leads
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Governors and trustees
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Ofsted nominees
Why schools use it
Inspection preparation is much easier when key documents are already organised and easy to locate. This checklist helps schools check what they have, where it is stored, and what may need updating before inspection.
It supports leaders to organise:
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School improvement and strategic vision documents
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Governance or trust board minutes
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External evaluation reports
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Attendance and behaviour analysis
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Suspension, exclusion and internal isolation information
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Alternative provision and off-site direction records
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Case-sampling information for pupils facing barriers
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Practical inspection logistics
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Safeguarding records and secure-access information
The resource also reminds schools that they do not need to provide information beyond what is asked for, information in a specific format, written evidence of oral feedback to pupils, predictions of attainment and progress scores, pupil-tracking information, or a specific pupil premium plan document.
Also available inside the School Leader Community
This resource is also available to members inside the School Leader Community.
Join or access the community here:
https://headteacher-chat.link/landingpage0725
Important note
This is a supportive professional resource and is not an official Ofsted publication. Schools should always check the latest statutory guidance and official Ofsted materials when preparing for inspection.
