Ofsted inspector

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to become an inspector if you've got the relevant qualifications, skills and experience.

You'll need:

• a degree in a subject like education, childcare or social work
• qualified teacher status (QTS) to inspect schools
• a track record of improving standards and services
• up-to-date knowledge of the job, including recent developments and statutory requirements

You'll also need at least 5 years' experience of leadership in a relevant job like headteacher or senior manager in children's services to become an HMI - His Majesty's Inspector.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• observation and interviewing skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• the ability to make fair judgements and decisions
• leadership and teamworking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• an understanding of teaching
• maths knowledge
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• administration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• business management skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Ofsted inspectors visit, inspect and report on the quality of places of education and learning, and children's social care services.

You'll be employed directly by Ofsted as an HMI - His Majesty's Inspector, or regulatory inspector. You could also work as an Ofsted inspector (OI) on contract to Ofsted. OIs do not carry out the regulatory work or the full role of an HMI.

As an HMI, you'll take lead inspector and team inspector roles. You'll work in one or more of these areas:

• schools
• further education and skills
• children and families services
• early years and childcare

Ofsted also employs regulatory inspectors across early years and children’s social care services. They check that people, premises and services are suitable to care for children and vulnerable young people.

In all roles, you'll:

• get organised for inspections by reading briefings
• talk to staff about previous development plans and progress made
• find out the views of other professionals, children and parents
• observe and rate teaching or care provision against national standards
• check the welfare and development of the children
• record what you see and hear
• give information and evidence to team meetings
• produce detailed written reports to tight deadlines
• give feedback to the education or children's service provider

Location : You could work from home, at a college or at a school.
Uniform : You may need to wear smart business clothes.

Salary:

Starter : £50,000
Experienced : £81,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings away from home

Career Path:

You’ll be recruited and trained by Ofsted.

With experience as an HMI - His Majesty's Inspector, you could become a senior HMI or regional director. Regulatory inspectors may also become regulatory inspection managers or HMIs.

You could use your knowledge and experience to move into a senior role within your own area of work.