Contracted Ofsted inspectors for early years childcare
Find out if you have the qualifications and experience to contract as an Ofsted inspector for childminders, daycares and other childcare providers.
Applies to England
If you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you might be able to contract with us as an Ofsted inspector for childcare.
Ofsted can enter such contracts under schedule 12, paragraph 11 of the Education and Inspection Act 2006.
We also have a permanent employed inspector workforce of Regulatory Inspectors. There is separate guidance if you want to become a Regulatory Inspector.
Who can be a contracted Ofsted inspector
You can be a contracted inspector if you are either:
- a serving practitioner
- a non-serving practitioner
You must not have been previously barred from being a proprietor or head teacher of a school under section 128 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.
We must also be satisfied that you are not connected with any inspection judgements or circumstances which may undermine your track record as an effective leader or credibility as an inspector.
Qualifications and experience required
Your qualifications
You will need to be educated to degree-level qualification or equivalent level 6.
Alternatively, you could have an equivalent professional qualification, such as:
- a teaching qualification
- an early years qualification
- a vocational or leadership and management qualification
Your experience
In addition to the qualifications above, you will need at least 3 years of experience in the early years sector, which can include:
- as a teacher
- providing childcare and early education
- as an early years manager
- providing early years training, inspecting or advising
You will also need to have experience in more than one provider.
Skills and competencies required
You must be able to:
- use evidence to form hypotheses and questions
- identify priorities
- use evidence and your knowledge to evaluate options and arrive at well-reasoned decisions
- weigh complex and conflicting evidence to reach robust judgements
- produce clear written records and reports expressing your judgements cogently and precisely in writing
Register your interest
If you believe you meet the above requirements, you can register your interest to contract as an Ofsted inspector.