1. New operators, or those that have not met minimum standards, or have evidence of poor welfare standards in the past, will be allocated a higher risk score.
2. Existing operators, with a record of meeting or exceeding statutory standards, and/or a UKAS-accredited certification, will be allocated a lower risk score at their next inspection.
3. Star ratings are then calculated, although unlike other rating systems (eg Food Hygiene) they are based on a combination of risk and compliance.

Usually then, new operators are not capable of obtaining 1 or 5 stars on their first rating.

Some operators might exceed the statutory standards but if they have a higher risk band will only be allocated a maximum of 4 stars. So even those receiving 2 or 3 stars, whilst not achieving the higher standards, are nevertheless fully compliant with legislation.

At least one visit will be undertaken within the licence period granted.

Finally, it should be noted that although the rules associated with the star rating scheme are set out in the guidance on procedural issues, in practice the time periods associated with progression for those with less than three years compliance history may vary slightly from council to council, with officers exercising discretion in certain cases.