Coronavirus disruption can be a reason for deferring Ofsted visits, according to new guidance.

While routine inspections remain suspended, Ofsted will carry out visits in the autumn to discuss how providers are managing the return to full-time education after months of closures.

Guidance: Ofsted to ‘visit’ colleges and providers from September

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Comment: Sorry, Ofsted: nonjudgemental visits aren’t good enough

But local lockdowns or closures as a result of Covid-19 mean visits could be deferred.

Coronavirus: Ofsted visits to schools

The guidance states: “If providers have concerns about the timing of these visits, we will judge each case on its own merits, in line with this policy.

“Local lockdowns, closures or other activity as a result of Covid-19 will be relevant factors for deferral.”

Visits to schools and colleges may still go ahead when substantial numbers of pupils are not on site but continue to be supported through remote or blended learning, the guidance adds.