Job Introduction

QUALITY AUDITOR – EDUCATION & OFSTED

Salary: £38,000 – £40,000
Hybrid – 3 days onsite
West Midlands to Wiltshire

Could your Ofsted experience make a difference beyond the classroom?

Are you an experienced education professional, Ofsted inspector, school improvement professional or quality specialist looking for an opportunity to use your inspection and regulatory expertise in a new setting?

Horizon Care & Education is looking for a Quality Auditor to provide independent assurance across our portfolio of children’s residential homes, supported accommodation services and schools.

If you have a strong understanding of Ofsted inspection frameworks, safeguarding, compliance, evidence-based assessment and quality improvement, this could be an exciting opportunity to broaden your experience across both education and children’s services.

About the role

You’ll carry out systematic, evidence-based audits against statutory regulations and Horizon’s internal quality frameworks, identifying strengths, risks, areas of non-compliance and opportunities for improvement.

Your experience of inspection and assessment will be key to understanding evidence, asking the right questions, challenging constructively and making balanced professional judgements.

The role will primarily focus on our residential children’s homes and supported accommodation services, with regular auditing across our wider portfolio.

A typical audit will involve:

• Days 1–2: On-site assessment, including file reviews, interviews with staff and young people, observations and evidence gathering.
• Day 3: Analysis of findings, report writing and submission.
• Working independently while maintaining professional objectivity and consistency.
• Providing clear, constructive feedback that supports continuous improvement.
• Identifying safeguarding, compliance and quality risks and ensuring these are appropriately highlighted.

What we’re looking for

We’re particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Ofsted inspection, education quality assurance or school improvement
• Conducting inspections, audits, reviews or evidence-based assessments
• Safeguarding and regulatory compliance within education or children’s services
• Analysing evidence and making sound professional judgements
• Producing high-quality, detailed inspection or audit reports
• Working confidently with senior leaders and challenging constructively where required
• Engaging professionally with children, young people and staff
• Understanding how effective services translate policy and regulation into practice

Knowledge of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 would be highly beneficial. However, we would also welcome applications from experienced education and Ofsted professionals who can demonstrate strong transferable inspection, safeguarding and quality assurance experience.

A full UK driving licence, access to a car and willingness to travel regularly are essential.

Why Horizon?

This is an opportunity to take your Ofsted and education expertise into a wider children’s services environment, helping to ensure young people receive safe, high-quality and well-regulated care and education.

You’ll join a supportive team with access to:

• High-quality CPD opportunities
• SHINE therapeutic training and support
• Comprehensive induction, including shadowing and face-to-face training
• Supportive management and senior leaders
• Blue Light Card
• Colleague referral scheme – earn up to £2,500 per referral
• Life Assurance
• Financial wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Tastecard discounts
• Free online learning and development
• Free eye checks
• A strong focus on colleague wellbeing

If you’re an education or Ofsted professional ready to bring your inspection expertise into a new environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Bright Futures, Inspired By You.