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Childcare inspectors

Childcare inspectors in England regulate all registered providers of daycare and judge the expectations appropriate for each of the five types of provision - childminders, full-daycare, sessional daycare, out-of-school care, and creches. Ofsted trains childcare inspectors, who, althoughhome-based, are typically members of a team of six to 10 managed by a senior childcare inspector. Potential inspectors need excellent organisational skills and be able to work under pressure without close supervision, meet deadlines and priorities; have good interpersonal skills; experience and understanding of dealing with sensitive issues and handling confidential information; good written and verbal communication skills; good IT skills; be able to analyse information, and present results clearly and concisely; and have experience of inspection work. Desirable criteria are experience of regulatory work in the early years sector and knowledge of the relevant legislation; and an appropriate professional qualification, such as from the fields of childcare, education, social work or health.