Peter Baldock began his career as a schoolteacher in 1966. He then moved into community development posts in both the voluntary and the local government sectors. In 1993 he became manager of the Under Eights (registration & inspection) Team in Sheffield and played a key role in the establishment of the city’s Young Children’s Service in the following year. He became a senior manager in Ofsted’s Early Years Directorate in 2001. Peter retired in 2004 and since has undertaken some teaching and consultancy work in the early years field.