Maurice Smith, Ofsted's director of early years, has been appointed acting chief inspector of schools, it was annouced last week. He will take up his new post in early January, when his predecessor, David Bell, joins the DfES as the new permanent secretary. In the meantime, Dorian Bradley, the current deputy director of early years at Ofsted, has been appointed acting director of early years. There will be an open competition for the permanent post of chief inspector of schools and director of early years in the new year.