Senior Inspector (Early Years)

About the Independent Schools Inspectorate

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is a government-appointed, not-for-profit organisation responsible for inspecting over 1,300 independent schools in England, private further education colleges, and British Schools Overseas. Our mission is to uphold rigorous statutory standards while fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement in education.

Our office is based in Barbican and the organisation has approximately 35 employees and contracts a pool of over 1000 carefully selected and trained inspectors to provide its services across the UK.

We are now inviting applications for a Senior Inspector (Early Years Education) to lead inspections and contribute to the ongoing development of ISI's inspection framework. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of education across a diverse range of institutions.

About the Role

Senior Inspectors will play a significant role in the delivery of ISI's inspection framework. The role holders will support quality assurance of the end-to-end inspection process and contribute to the design and delivery of top-quality, up-to-date knowledge and skills focused training for contracted inspectors.

The focus of this role will play a significant role in the delivery of ISI's inspection framework for inspections of early years and for independent schools.

The role reports into the Senior Director for National Inspections and key responsibilities include:

Successfully leading inspections including those that may be sensitive or complex

Supporting inspectors prior to, during and post inspection, acting as a source of advice and guidance

Reviewing inspection documentation to ensure quality, consistency and accuracy

Working with ISI's leadership and wider team to implement and oversee effective and robust quality assurance processes for the end-to-end inspection process

Ensuring quality assurance processes are implemented consistently to meet the strategic aim of inspection excellence

Supporting and delivering the induction training for new inspectors

Developing and delivering update training on developments in inspection practice and statutory requirements across ISI's remits

Role Criteria

A strong knowledge, understanding and commitment to prioritising the safeguarding and effective education of children and young people

A minimum of five years' successful experience at senior leadership level in early years settings or schools

Understanding and experience of delivering effective quality assurance

Experience of quality assurance/evaluation, in early years and/or schools

Proven track record in design and delivery of workforce training

Degree level qualification or equivalent

Must hold qualified teacher status or a recognised teaching qualification

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and cover letter to . We ask that your cover letter specifically outlines your experience and competence regarding the key responsibilities and criteria for this position.

The deadline for applications is Friday 29th August by 5pm.

Please note that as per ISI's policy, the applicants will need to successfully complete an Enhanced DBS Check (with child barred list).