ALL routine Ofsted inspections of schools have been cancelled to allow for the prioritisation of the safety of children.

Ofsted inspectors – serving headteachers who undertake inspections on the agency’s behalf – have returned to their schools and Ofsted is in contact with the Department for Education to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact across education and social care.

Agency chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: “It’s clearly the right thing to do when teachers and social workers are under pressure as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. We all need to support them in their work.

“We will monitor what’s happening across education and social care and we will reserve the right to inspect where we believe the safety of children could be at risk, or we have other serious concerns. We will also continue to register and regulate social care providers, childminders and nurseries, so that these vital services can continue to support children and their families.”