Former social worker Maurice Smith is to be new acting chief schools inspector at Ofsted from 3 January, following David Bell’s departure.
Chief inspector of schools David Bell is quitting Ofsted to become permanent secretary at the Department for Education and Skills.
A single inspection watchdog for children, young people and adult learners was confirmed earlier this month by education secretary Ruth Kelly.
The government previously announced that the Commission for Social Care Inspection is to be dismantled by 2008 and its role inspecting children’s services merged with Ofsted.