OFSTED LAUNCH SEARCH FOR A NEW DIRECTOR

28 Jan 2004 01:15 PM

The Office for Standards in Education is to launch a search for a Director, Education to drive forward the organisation's work in developing new arrangements for the inspection of schools, colleges and children's services in England.

At the same time, Ofsted is looking to recruit around 20 HMI (Her Majesty's Inspectors) to help meet the challenge of improving educational standards across England.

Today's announcement follows the decision of Ofsted's Director of Inspection, David Taylor, to retire at the end of April 2004 and pursue a career as an educational consultant.

Mr Taylor began his career in education as a classics teacher in 1968 before becoming an HMI in 1978. During his time at Ofsted, he worked in a variety of posts including Head of Resources and Planning and Head of Teacher Education and Training before taking up the role of Director of Inspection in July 1999 where he was integral to the creation of a single Inspection Directorate in Ofsted.

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, said:

"I would like to thank David for all he has done for inspection and education during more than 25 years as a member of Her Majesty's Inspectorate and a senior member of staff in Ofsted. He has made a vital contribution to our work in many ways. I would like to wish him well for the future."

Mr Bell went on to say:

"David's successor will have a challenging task ahead to take forward our work in developing new inspection arrangements across our remit. The new Director will have a crucial role in seeing through to implementation the inspection of children's services as well as leading our response to the review of school and college inspection that we will be launching next month."

Mr Taylor said:

"I have had an immensely enjoyable time as an HMI for over 25 years, working with superb colleagues and taking forward challenging and exciting assignments. I now have the opportunity to continue to influence the educational scene through my work as a consultant."

Ofsted is also looking for new HMI with an emphasis on applicants from ethnic minorities. Although the number of people of an ethnic minority background working within Ofsted reflects the population as a whole, Ofsted is looking to increase diversity of its workforce.

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, said:

"Ofsted inspects schools and institutions where there is huge diversity of learners. I want us to reflect that diversity among our inspectors. These are exciting times for Ofsted and HMI will play a crucial role in our new work. In taking forward the work of Ofsted, it is vital that we appoint people of the highest calibre.''

All current HMI and teaching unions have been contacted with details of the recruitment campaign as well as the Network of Black Managers and the Black Leadership Initiative. The majority of inspectors will be expected to inspect a wide variety of subjects, although Ofsted is seeking a limited number of specialist HMI, especially but not exclusively in Music, Art, PE and D&T.

Candidates must have experience of a significant leadership or management role in education, or an impressive track record as an outstanding teacher.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The post of Director, Education will be advertised in The Sunday Times on February 1 and in The Times Education Supplement on February 6. The closing date for applications is 5pm, Monday 23 February 2004.

2. New HMI will be paid between £44,255 and £57,500, depending on their experience, with posts starting in September 2004.

3. Inspectors will work from home but travel extensively, with administrative support provided from one of three HMI support centres located in Manchester, Preston and Pudsey.

4. HMI also contribute inspection-based advice to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector and to Government. They write and make contribution to reports, including the HMCI's annual report and publications and undertake dissemination on a wide range of educational topics.

5. An advert for the HMI posts appeared in the TES on Friday 16 January and the closing date for applications is February 3.

6. Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England. Its role also includes the inspection of local education authorities, teacher training institutions and youth work. During 2001, Ofsted became responsible for inspecting all 16-19 education and for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders.

Ofsted, Alexandra House, 33 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6SE
Tel 020 7421 6800 Web site www.ofsted.gov.uk