---
title: Unannounced Visits
description: "Fostering Services Regulations require **at least two unannounced visits every year**. These drop-ins are not about “catching you out”; they give the Supervising Social Worker (SSW) a real-life snapshot of daily routines, children’s wellbeing and the overall safety of the…"
url: "https://handbook.co.uk/docs/unannounced-visits/"
updated: "2025-08-13"
category: Foster Carer Handbook
tags:
  - Unannounced Visits
---

# Unannounced Visits

Fostering Services Regulations require **at least two unannounced visits every year**. These drop-ins are not about “catching you out”; they give the Supervising Social Worker (SSW) a real-life snapshot of daily routines, children’s wellbeing and the overall safety of the home.

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**What to expect on the day**

| **The SSW will…** | **Because…** |
| --- | --- |
| Arrive without prior appointment—usually between 07:30 – 20:00 on a weekday (rarely weekends if patterns suggest). | Everyday life is naturally unfolding; this offers the most authentic view. |
| Show photo ID and log arrival time. | Safeguarding protocol. |
| Walk through *all* rooms, including Foster Carers’ bedroom, bathrooms, garden and outbuildings. | Checks that sleeping spaces, medication storage, fire exits and general hygiene meet regulations. |
| Spend private time with each looked-after child (and, ideally, birth children) to hear wishes and feelings. | Children may disclose worries or joys they haven’t voiced elsewhere. |
| Conduct a **mini Health & Safety check**, noting any hazards (loose stair-carpet, out-of-date smoke-alarm batteries). | Two unannounced visits collectively cover the annual H&S monitoring requirement, separate from the full yearly checklist. |
| Complete a short observation note on family interactions: tone of voice, encouragement, routines. | Confirms that Safer Caring rules translate into lived practice. |

Visits last about **45–60 minutes** unless significant issues arise.

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**How you can prepare (without “staging” the home)**

- Keep essential documents accessible: medication log, fire-evacuation plan, Safer Caring Policy.
- Encourage children to know the SSW by name so the visit feels familiar, not intrusive.
- Maintain everyday standards—if the dining table hosts a Lego city, that’s real life!
- If you must leave urgently (hospital appointment, school run) while the SSW is present, call another approved adult home or reschedule with the SSW.

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**After the visit**

- The SSW writes a brief report summarising observations, child feedback and any action items.
- You’ll receive a copy to sign; add comments if you wish.
- Any urgent health-and-safety issues must be addressed within the agreed timescale (usually 7–14 days).
- Positive practice is noted in your annual review evidence file.

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**Frequently asked questions**

| **Question** | **Answer** |
| --- | --- |
| *What if I’m genuinely out?* | The SSW will leave a card and email/text to arrange another unannounced attempt within the same quarter. |
| *Do I need to tidy first?* | No. Reasonable lived-in mess is expected; hazards and hygiene concerns are different. |
| *Can the child refuse to talk privately?* | The SSW will respect the child’s wishes but will try different approaches—walk in the garden, short drive—to ensure their voice is heard. |
| *What about CCTV / doorbells?* | Footage is permissible but must comply with your Safer Caring Policy; visitors still have a right to privacy inside the home. |

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**Key takeaway:** unannounced visits are a regulatory safeguard and a chance to celebrate the *ordinary magic* of your fostering household. Embrace them as part of the partnership that keeps children safe and thriving.

For full detail see the **Unannounced Visits Policy** or speak with your SSW.