Ofsted inspectors visit, inspect and report on the quality of places of education and learning, and children's social care services. On a day to day basis they 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 and much more.

Ofsted inspectors work in various settings and these can include:

• Schools

• Further education

• Children and family services

• Early years and child care

Taken from gov 2023.

There is only one main route into becoming an ofsted inspector and that is by applying directly once you have completed the relevant qualifications and skills. 

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.

There are different key skills and knowledge that is required to apply to become an ofsted inspector, these include:

• Observation and interviewing skills

• The ability to analyse quality or performance

• The ability to make fair judgements and decisions

• Leadership and team working skills

• To be thorough and pay attention to detail

• Analytical thinking skills

• Active listening skills

• Excellent verbal communication skills

• To be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll also need to:

• Meet nationality requirements

• Pass enhanced background checks

You'll also find it useful to have a driving licence.

Taken from Gov 2023.