Early Years Regulatory Inspector

Ofsted; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK regulatory body is seeking an Early Years Regulatory Inspector to ensure quality and compliance in early years settings across England. The role involves conducting inspections and support to improve outcomes for children. Applicants should have a degree or equivalent experience, making a meaningful difference in children's education and care. This full-time position offers a salary ranging from £52,497 to £57,497 annually.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Expertise in early years settings and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct registration and inspections of early years providers.
• Use professional expertise to encourage improvement.
• Gather evidence to assess quality and compliance.

Skills

Proven track record of securing better outcomes for young children

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Job title: Early Years Regulatory Inspector

Location: Across England

Salary: £52,497 per annum, rising to £57,497 per annum on successful completion of 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’ll gather clear and robust evidence to assess whether providers are delivering the quality children deserve and continuing to meet registration requirements.

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. You can also find out more about the backgrounds of our inspectors in the recruitment brochure.

To find out more about the role and apply please click on this link.

Closing date: 23rd September 2025