Free kit for registered managers
Run a calm CQC mock inspection in one afternoon.
See what an inspector would see, while there is still time to act. Twelve printable pages: what inspectors look at, the questions they often ask, a walk-round checklist, an evidence log and an action plan.
- 12 printable pages
- 28 questions inspectors often ask
- About half a day on site
Your kit is ready.
Download the kit (PDF)Your manager plans the inspection. Pass the kit on with one click, so it reaches the right desk.
Send it to my managerWhy a practice run
Most services were last rated more than three years ago.
Any of them could be next, and nobody gets to choose the day. A practice run shows you what an inspector would see, while there is still time to act.
services have a latest published rating date more than 3 years ago.
69.0% of 22,722 services with a published rating date.
How these figures are counted
Active adult social care services in England, excluding dormant services and secondary dual registrations. The age is measured from the published rating date to 1 October 2026 using 365.25 days per year. The base includes every valid date, including entries without a regular overall rating. The four thresholds overlap and must not be added together.
Contains Care Quality Commission information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Download the aggregate figures (JSON).
What you get
By the end of the afternoon, you know where you stand.
- 01
See what an inspector would see
A walk-round checklist for safety, dignity, medicines, infection prevention, records and atmosphere. Tick what you see, note what you don't.
Page 7 - 02
Hear how your team would answer
20 questions inspectors often ask care staff, each with what a strong answer shows, and eight Well-led questions for you as the leader.
Pages 4 to 6 - 03
Have your evidence ready
An evidence log with a worked example and columns for the key question and the type of evidence, so good care is written down before anyone asks.
Page 9 - 04
Leave with a clear plan
A 15-minute debrief, your three most important actions, and an action plan with an owner, a date and a risk level for every finding.
Pages 10 and 11
Look inside
Twelve pages, ready to print.
Landscape A4, one topic per page. Print the whole kit, or just the pages each person needs on the day.
Page 1CoverRun a calm, honest practice inspection in one afternoon. 
Page 2How to use the kitFour steps from planning to action, and three ground rules. 
Page 3The five key questionsWhat the CQC looks at, and what the new framework changes. 
Page 4Questions for care staff, part 1Safe and Effective: ten questions, with what a strong answer shows. 
Page 5Questions for care staff, part 2Caring, Responsive and Well-led: ten more questions. 
Page 6Questions for leadersWell-led, how do you know? Eight questions and the evidence that answers them. 
Page 7Walk-round checklistTick what you see. Note what you don't. 
Page 8Listening to people and familiesGentle questions, asked with permission. 
Page 9Well-led evidence logCollect it as it happens, with a worked example. 
Page 10Action planEvery finding with an owner, a date and a risk level. 
Page 11After the mock inspectionA 15-minute debrief and three habits that build evidence every week. 
Page 12Sources and notesWhere the kit comes from, with links to the CQC.
Free · PDF · 12 pages
How it works
A practice run, planned in a week.
Plan for about half a day on site, plus a short debrief. The kit takes you through every step.
- One week before
Plan. Pick a date and a lead, choose an observer and a note taker, and tell the team it is a friendly practice run.
- On the day
Look and listen. Walk round with the checklist, talk to people, families and staff, and sample care plans and records.
- Same day
Debrief. 15 minutes with the team. Start with what went well and agree the three most important actions.
- Within two weeks
Act. Give every action an owner and a date, share what changed with the team and keep collecting evidence.
- It's a practice run.Tell the team in advance and keep it friendly. Nobody is being caught out.
- Be kind and honest.Write down what you see and hear, without blame. Small details count.
- Thank people.Every good answer and every kind moment is worth recognising, there and then.
Try it today
Three questions from the kit. Ask them on your next shift.
Tap a question to see what a strong answer shows. The kit has 28 questions like these, for care staff and for leaders.
SafeTell me about a risk you noticed recently. What did you do?What a strong answer shows
A strong answer showsA real example: reported, recorded, and what changed as a result.
CaringTell me about someone you support. What matters to them?What a strong answer shows
A strong answer showsTalks about the person, their history and what they enjoy, beyond tasks.
Well-ledWhen were you last thanked for something you did?What a strong answer shows
A strong answer showsRecognition is regular and specific, from colleagues and managers.
Questions
About the kit.
Is the kit really free?
Yes. Print it and use it as often as you like inside your organisation.
How long does a practice run take?
Plan it in a week. On the day, allow about half a day on site, plus a 15-minute debrief with the team.
Who is it for?
Registered managers, deputies, owners and quality leads who want to see their service through an inspector's eyes. Care workers can pass it on to their manager in one click.
Do I need CareKudos to use it?
No. The kit works on paper, with your team and your records.
Is this an official CQC document?
No. It is a practice tool, built on the CQC's five key questions and current guidance. It cannot predict a rating, and the CQC remains the judge.
Ready for your practice run?
Free. Twelve pages. Print it and use it as often as you like.