A large majority of parents (87%) think that their child’s school
has handled the pandemic well, according to Ofsted’s annual
Parents Survey for 2021, published today.
This year’s survey asked a set of questions about the impact of
COVID-19, 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.
Over 1,000 parents with children at preschool, school and
colleges in England participated in this year’s online survey.
This is the sixth year the research has been conducted and it
continues to provide important evidence to inform the development
of Ofsted’s priorities.
Her Majesty’s 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.”
Among other findings, of those parents who had read an Ofsted
inspection report, over eight in 10 said they found the report
useful, while the same number said they felt the report portrayed
an accurate picture of the school or childcare provider.
The survey also reports that seven out of 10 parents agree that
Ofsted is a valuable source of information about education.
Likewise, two thirds of parents agree that Ofsted’s work helps to
improve standards of education. These results have remained
relatively unchanged over last five years.
Ends
Notes to editors
- The online survey was developed in conjunction with YouGov
and carried out between 9 and 26 March 2021.
- The total number of respondents was 1,018, including 916
parents with a school aged child and 102 with a pre-school aged
child attending childcare.
