CYP Now - Ofsted advises schools and nurseries hit by staff shortages to apply to defer inspections

Early years and education settings affected by Covid-related staffing shortages have been urged by Ofsted to apply to defer inspections.

Ofsted has said it will resume inspections despite staff shortages. Picture: Phil Adams

The inspectorate paused inspections of schools, colleges and early years settings in the run up to Christmas due to the emergence of the omicron variant of the virus in the UK.

Early years leaders have called for the pause to continue until the end of January.

However, Ofsted has ruled out an extension with inspections set to resume next week.

Writing on Twitter, the inspectorate said it will “encourage schools, colleges and nurseries that are significantly impacted by Covid-related staff absence to request a deferral”.

1/2 We’re not carrying out any inspections this week. When inspections resume, we will encourage schools, colleges and nurseries that are significantly impacted by COVID-related staff absence to request a deferral.

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