Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“Given the pressure schools are currently under and the recent calls to pause inspections this term, the announcement today of more to come feels completely tone-deaf.

“Schools have adapted with the times to respond to the impact of Covid, but Ofsted appear to be stuck in the past – dusting off a pre-pandemic inspection framework with little recognition that the world around them has changed.

“We are still a very long way from business as usual in schools. Ofsted seems to be unwilling to properly take into account the very significant challenges schools are still facing, as well as the impact Covid has had.

“Rather than thinking about how it can increase the number of inspections that take place, Ofsted should be concentrating on how best to support and inspect schools in a post-lockdown world, helping them focus on ensuring educational recovery for every child, and ensuring that schools are happy, safe spaces for pupils.

“When it comes to inspection, more of the same is an inadequate response to the challenges of today.”