The Department does not hold information on Ofsted inspectors. The remainder of the question is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to my hon. Friend, and a copy of his response has been placed in the House Libraries.

Letter from Sir Michael Wilshaw, dated 18 February 2013:

Your recent Parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for response.

Ofsted directly employs Her Majesty's Inspectors (HMI) and Social Care Regulatory Inspectors (SCRI), but also holds contracts with Inspection Service Providers (ISPs) who themselves employ Additional Inspectors (AI). There have been no forced redundancies of Ofsted's directly employed inspectors during the last ten years. Ofsted would hold data if there was any such instance of forced redundancy amongst HMI or SCRI, the circumstances of which would be in line with Cabinet Office guidelines and protocols on compulsory redundancy.

Terms of employment for AIs are determined by the ISPs.

Last month, Ofsted published pen portraits of all current HMI. They give a biographical summary of individuals' expertise, including their previous experience and qualifications. The relevant document is available on the Ofsted website at:

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/ofsted-hmi-pen-portraits

All inspectors undertaking section 5 school inspections are required to have a teaching qualification, and to have been teachers. This includes those qualified to teach in the 14-19 age range. Furthermore, as part of the recruitment and selection process, candidates are required to demonstrate success and effectiveness in their teaching career.

A copy of this reply has been sent to David Laws MP, Minister of State for Schools, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.