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.
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| Conduct a mini Health & Safety check, noting any hazards (loose stair-carpet, out-of-date smoke-alarm batteries).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.
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.
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.
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. |
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.
