Childcare Inspector
What is the work like?
As a childcare inspector, you would monitor the quality of childcare provision for children from birth to eight years, including local authority or privately owned nurseries, crèches, childminders and out of school care.
You would work as part of a team of inspectors, making sure that childcare services meet national standards which cover:
- the suitability of the premises
- the suitability of the people who will caring for the children or be in contact with them (for example partners of childminders)
- provision for the welfare and development of the children.
Your work would include:
- visiting and observing childcare services
- gathering information by observing, examining documents and talking to providers
- working from home to complete inspection reports
- submitting your reports online through a purpose-built IT system
- arranging CRB and health checks, and checks on premises as part of the registration process
- looking into complaints or information suggesting that childcare providers are not meeting standards.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would need:
- a degree, preferably in a subject related to childcare, health, social work or education
- a significant amount of experience in a childcare setting
- clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau.
As your work would involve a lot of travel, you would need a driving licence and access to transport.
What further training and development can I do?
You would receive full training from Ofsted when you start work. This would last for about three months, and would include some overnight stays away from home. You would then complete a probationary period.
You may receive support from a mentor within your team at first, and throughout your career you would keep in contact with colleagues by regular meetings, telephone calls and emails.
There would be regular opportunities to discuss your progress and any problems with your team manager, and to attend workshops in your region or around the country.
Where can I go for more information?
St Ann's Square
Manchester
M2 7LA
Tel: 0845 640 4045
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Childcare inspectors earn from £23,484 to £27,123 a year.
Figures are intended only as a guideline.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would be home-based, and would be allocated work within reasonable travelling distance. You would usually work 36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Although you would meet regularly with members of your team, you would spend a lot of time working alone, so would need to be able to plan and organise your own time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- organisational skills
- the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
- self-motivation and flexibility
- a professional, courteous and tactful approach
- excellent spoken and written communication skills
- observational and interviewing skills
- the ability to gather, analyse and interpret evidence
- the ability to make objective, fair judgements based on evidence
- IT skills
- the ability to give advice and critical judgements in a sensitive way.
What opportunities are there?
In England you would be employed by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted). In Wales, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales inspects childcare services.
With experience you may be able to progress to a position with more responsibility, such as team manager.
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