Today Ofsted has published reports looking at how schools are managing pupils’ return to education under the current COVID-19 guidelines.
Last month Ofsted conducted 121 pilot visits to schools across England. Its research finds that school leaders have been working hard to make sure pupils are catching up with their education. Schools have been offering a full curriculum and are planning how to remotely educate pupils who cannot attend in person.
Fuelled by misinformation and myths spread by social media, parental anxiety is still an issue for school leaders. The research finds many parents are confused and worried about the different approaches taken to prevent transmission of the virus.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
The findings in these reports highlight the extraordinary effort that school leaders, teachers, support staff and staff in children’s homes have made over the past few months, and continue to make every day.
Schools are overwhelmingly saying they have the plans in place to support pupils, and help them catch up at pace where that is needed. Parents can be reassured further interventions, such as individual tutoring through the Department’s £1 billion Covid catch up fund, will be coming soon for those children who need further support.
Ofsted’s programme of visits is already proving its value to schools, as they work to return to a full, normal curriculum no later than the summer term, and ensure no pupils lose out as a result of coronavirus.