More than a third of schools visited by Ofsted this term have parents who are home educating their children due to concerns about Covid-19 safety, the watchdog has revealed.

Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman also revealed today that school leaders were having to combat myths and “fake news” about schools having to keep all doors open all the time, whatever the weather.

Ofsted is visiting more than 1,000 schools this term to check on how well pupils are being supported to catch up after the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Today Ofsted has produced the first summary report of its initial findings.

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In a commentary, Ms Spielman said most schools reported decent attendance but that parental anxiety over the coronavirus remained an issue.

She added: “Leaders reported their frustrations at having to correct the myths that had taken hold with some parents, often fuelled by ‘fake news’ shared on social media.

“Myths can also grow and circulate among schools about what they ‘have’ to do or not do: no singing; no swimming; all doors open, no matter the weather… Successfully rebutting these myths, which spread so easily, is hard.

“Like Japanese knotweed, myths have persistent roots - so a consolidation and simplification of government advice for schools would help bring clarity for teachers and parents alike as we head towards the winter.”

Ms Spielman made her comments amid concerns that attempts to keep schools well ventilated during Covid-19 have already led to teachers working in cold conditions.

On the rise of home education during the first term of school after lockdown, she added: “Perhaps worryingly, over a third of the schools we visited for this report had noted more parents opting to home educate their children.

“Some parents will have made a positive choice, after enjoying their summer experience at home, but many leaders believed parents were concerned about the safety of their children. We will watch this trend as our visits continue over the autumn.”