Ask the Experts: How do I become an inspector?

My post as the head of department for early years has been made redundant. I am keen to take up a role in an inspectorate in England or elsewhere in the UK. What should I do?

Early years work, particularly that linked to prevention and early intervention, is a key area. Your experience and skill set should be well received. Whatever your next step, you will need to revise your CV and ensure it shows your key skills, achievements and competencies.

The inspectorates across the UK recruit through a formal government process, so you will need to search their websites to find out details and how to register your interest.

In the meantime, you may find some work in offering “pre-inspection” assessment for providers, so you become familiar with the role and function of inspection. You should read inspection reports from the different jurisdictions to become familiar with the different approaches, standards and style of report. You should be familiar with different aspects of delivering good quality assurance such as peer review. 

Answered by Paul Clark, director of the Potential Organisation. He was director of children’s services in Harrow for seven years