Or is it completely unannounced?

If it's a scheduled inspection you will be contacted to confirm what days and hours you have children and their age range.
I was given a 3 week warning that it could be anytime during the following 3 weeks, they came on the last day of the 3rd week :rolleyes:.

If it's a complaint led inspection it would more than likely be unannounced

Or is it completely unannounced?

Registration Visit- they call to make an appointment.

First Graded Inspection- This happens up to 30-something months after you are registered (used to be within 6mths but recently changed) they can come unannounced. They usually phone to check when and if you are working and give you some indication of when it could be- like 'in the next week' and they might say to wait in until 10am and if they haven't come then to carry on with your day etc, so it is still a bit of guessing game each day!

Or is it completely unannounced?

If you read this Ofsted factsheet you will be fully informed and prepared...make sure you have it by your side at inspection

It is dated 3 Nov 2014 and is the latest update
1st inspection is now 'WITHIN' 30 months

Good luck
Ofsted | Conducting early years inspections (http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/conducting-early-years-inspections)

Thanks Simons, I didn't know about this document, that's really useful thank you ...