Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Spencer and Robin Walker

Monday 31st January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con)]

I recently met my school leaders and heard how, in a recent inspection by Ofsted, no account had been taken of staff absence due to covid. Can my hon. Friend confirm that Ofsted should take into account covid impact when inspecting and set that out in writing?

[Mr Robin Walker]

I can say to my hon. Friend that having discussed this matter with Her Majesty’s chief inspector, I know that she does take such impacts into account. Ofsted is offering deferrals to schools facing particularly high levels of staff absence, but I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the case to which he refers.