EDUCATION watchdog Ofsted is launching a recruitment drive as Manchester takes a further step towards becoming the Whitehall of the north.

The body, which organises school and childcare inspections in the north, employs 87 staff, but is looking to recruit another 160.

Later this year, the Manchester base will start co-ordinating national enquiries into nurseries and childminders and processing all childcare applications.

Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, said the greater shift to Manchester reflected a move to decentralise services. But the headquarters would remain in London so it could retain its strong advisory function.

During a visit to the Victoria Brook Day Nursery in Oldham, he said: "When we were considering the north, there was only one choice - and that was Manchester.

"The location is powerful and our staff here say they like working in the city centre where all the facilities are available. And also we have found we get a high calibre of staff."

Mr Bell believes strengthening regional bases will mean greater intelligence about schools and whether inspections are needed.

Rigorous

The recruitment drive coincides with a move to a new inspection framework, which give schools less notice before visits from inspectors.

It was tested at 200 schools last term, including a number in Manchester, and Mr Bell says early indications are that schools prefer them.

He stressed the new inspections are just as rigorous, but don't create the high levels of stress reported by teachers in the past.

He said: "This is the most extensively trailed inspection system in Ofsted's history. The early signs are positive. These new inspections are still highly rigorous and schools are being held to account.

"It reduces the period of preparation and hopefully the pressure that goes with that."

Neil Fountain, from Manchester's investment agency, MIDAS, said: "We have worked with Ofsted during the last year, supporting their reorganisation into three regional offices.

"We are delighted that Manchester will now accommodate both Ofsted's regional office for the north and its new National Business Unit. Ofsted's expansion is a fantastic opportunity for the area and is further evidence of Manchester's ability to offer a viable alternative to London for high quality public services at an efficient cost."

Ofsted is currently recruiting for 80 administrative staff and 60 contact centre staff.