Early Years Regulatory Inspector
Location: Across England
Salary: £62,039 per annum post probation (typically six months)
Basis: Full time (37 hours per week)
‘I want to make sure nobody thinks the early years is just ‘what happens before education.’ It is, of course, the first stage of a child’s education, and most importantly the one on which all of their future education and life is built’ – Sir Martyn Oliver HMCI
Job summary
As an Early Years Regulatory Inspector, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that children receive the best possible start in life. Working closely with an Early Years Senior Officer and as part of a supportive inspection team, you will carry out registration, inspection and regulatory work with early years providers. You’ll also respond to concerns and notifications, taking action where providers are not meeting requirements — helping to make sure children are always safe, well cared for, and able to thrive.
About the role
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference. As an Early Years Regulatory Inspector, you’ll visit a wide range of early years settings and services, applying Ofsted’s frameworks to ensure high standards of care, learning and safeguarding. You will have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellent practice, while also taking proportionate action where improvement is needed to protect children and maintain standards.
Where improvements are needed, you’ll use your professional expertise and judgement to challenge practice, encourage improvement, and, where necessary, take enforcement action. At the heart of everything you do will be one clear purpose: protecting children and helping them to have the best possible start in life.
About you
- You will need a degree or equivalent experience and a proven track record of securing better outcomes for young children in early years settings.
- To find out more about the role and apply please click the apply button.
- Closing date: 2 November 2026
