Independent Schools Mock Inspector – Specialist SEN School Location: Harrow-based, with nationwide travel Contract: Interim / Contract Working Pattern: Flexible, dependent on assignment Salary: Competitive day rate, dependent on experience About the Assignment Fulcrum Care Limited is seeking an experienced education inspector to undertake a mock inspection of a specialist independent SEN day school in the East Midlands. The school supports pupils who all hold Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The successful candidate will undertake a focused review against the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and the Independent School Standards (ISS). This is a schools inspection assignment and requires substantial, hands-on experience of inspecting education provision. Experience solely within children's social care, residential care or CQC-regulated services will not meet the requirements of this brief. Inspection Focus The mock inspection will focus specifically on: Curriculum / quality of education Leadership and governance The school's provision for pupils with SEND and EHCPs Compliance with relevant Independent School Standards The effectiveness and impact of leadership and curriculum provision Identifying clear, evidence-based areas for improvement The successful inspector will be expected to produce an inspection-standard written report, with clear evidence, findings and practical recommendations that the school's leadership team can act upon directly. About You We are looking for an experienced education professional with substantial school inspection experience, ideally including: Current or recently retired Ofsted Inspector, Additional Inspector or HMI (Education) Significant experience inspecting independent schools Direct experience of specialist SEN provision Strong understanding of pupils with EHCPs Detailed knowledge of the Ofsted EIF Strong working knowledge of the Independent School Standards Experience producing high-quality inspection reports and evidence-based recommendations The ability to work independently and professionally with senior leaders and governors Experience of inspecting independent special schools would be particularly valuable. Team Option Where an individual inspector does not meet the full brief, we would also consider a two-person inspection team, provided the inspectors have previously worked together on comparable assignments and collectively bring the required independent school, SEN and inspection expertise. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will be expected to: Undertake the agreed mock inspection visit. Review relevant school documentation and evidence. Evaluate curriculum and leadership/governance arrangements against the agreed inspection framework. Gather and analyse evidence during the visit. Provide clear verbal feedback to school leaders where appropriate. Produce a detailed, professional written inspection report. Set out clear, practical and evidence-based recommendations for improvement. Assignment Details The initial assignment is for a specialist independent SEN day school in the East Midlands, with the inspection planned for the week commencing 12 October 2026. Due to the short timescale, candidates will need to provide confirmed availability for this period. How to Apply Please provide: An up-to-date CV Details of relevant school inspection experience Experience of independent and/or specialist SEN schools Indicative day rate Confirmed availability for the week commencing 12 October 2026 Details of any previous comparable mock inspection or consultancy assignments We are particularly interested in hearing from inspectors who can demonstrate recent, practical experience of inspecting independent specialist SEN provision. Closing date for candidate submissions: Friday 3 October 2026. To discuss the assignment further or to submit your details, please contact New Way Recruitment. Our Promise At New Way Recruitment, we believe in Heart-Led Hiring in Education. Guided by our ethos of “Recruiting with Care, Placing with Purpose”, we are committed to creating a recruitment experience where expertise, opportunity and genuine care come together. Our promise is simple: to provide a confidential, personalised and supportive approach to every candidate and client we work with. We take the time to understand your experience, your aspirations and what matters to you, ensuring every opportunity is approached with integrity, professionalism and genuine understanding. If you are an experienced SEND professional considering your next interim opportunity and this role sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you. Reference: INDHP
