Education CommitteeFurther written evidence submitted by Ofsted

At the time, I undertook to give you some further information about the number of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) that have an early years background.

Ofsted has 18 Early Childhood HMI, with six more taking up posts in September. Ofsted has recruited 11 further Education HMI with a primary or mixed primary/secondary background in school leadership, giving them knowledge of the early years. We are also seeking to appoint additional numbers through a further recruitment campaign which is currently underway.

Under Ofsted’s new framework for children’s centres, on each team there will be—at minimum—two inspectors with the necessary skills and experience in the early years and learning and skills sectors. We currently have 63 HMI across both sectors specifically trained to inspect children’s centres.

Inspectors—both HMI and additional inspectors deployed to any maintained school or academy with early years provision—must also have a teaching qualification.

I hope that this note is helpful, but please contact me if I can offer any further assistance with this or any other of the Committee’s interests. I am copying this letter to Charlotte Leslie MP, given her interest in the subject, and to the Clerk.

July 2013