Nearly nine out of 10 parents say their child’s school handled the coronavirus crisis well, according to Ofsted’s annual Parents Survey for 2021, published today.

The survey asked a set of questions about the impact of Covid, and also found that seven in 10 parents had received guidance or training from their child’s school to help support remote education at home. 

However, around two thirds of parents reported that they were worried about their child’s learning loss and their mental health, while nearly half were concerned over their children’s physical health.

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 Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said: “This survey highlights just how much parents appreciate the huge effort and creativity schools have shown to help them educate their children at home.

“Of course, there was only so much children were able to learn while schools were closed for lockdown, so it’s not surprising that so many parents are concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their child’s education, as well as their mental and physical wellbeing. Our visits and inspections have also reflected these concerns.

“But now children are back in the classroom, I know teachers across the country will be doing all they can to bring them up to speed and help them to flourish.”

More than 1,000 parents with children at preschool, school and colleges in England participated in this year’s online survey, in its sixth year, which provides evidence to inform the development of Ofsted’s priorities.