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.

You'll need:

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

You'll need to:

• meet nationality requirements
• pass enhanced background checks

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

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

You could work from home, at a college or at a school.

You may need to wear smart business clothes.