The Coronavirus has continued to plague industries all over the world. The nursery sector is one of many, many sectors to be impacted with staff shortages and continued lack of funding.

During these unprecedented times, Ofsted has listened to the calls of the sector and has temporarily suspended routine early years inspections. This however, excludes those planned in response to any safeguarding issues.

Ofsted are in daily contact with the DfE to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact across education and social care.

Amanda Spielman, Her Majesty’s chief inspector, said:

‘I’m grateful for the Secretary of State’s permission to suspend routine inspections. 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.’

For more information on the developments from the Government please click on the links below.