CYP Now - Inspections Clinic: Impact of the pandemic

While most inspectorates agree virtual inspections will never replace visits in person, they tell Jo Stephenson that use of digital technology for some aspects of their work will continue long-term.

Inspectors were able to use digital technology to move many visits and focus groups online during the pandemic. Picture: Nattakorn/Adobe Stock

With most face-to-face visits put on hold during lockdown, digital and other technology has proved invaluable in helping inspectors of children’s services monitor and maintain contact with providers.

This has ranged from allowing key information to be submitted via email to “virtual inspections” carried out via video conferencing. Here, inspectorates outline their approaches.

OFSTED

Much of Ofsted’s day-to-day business in social care and early years regulation has had to change due to Covid-19, explains national director for social care Yvette Stanley.

“Like everybody else, we’ve become more reliant on online communication,” she says. “We have largely returned to on-site regulation now but this can be done virtually, in part or in full, depending on the circumstances of the provider.”

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