Ofsted has said it will be able to carry out most of its inspection activity when it returns to schools to carry out monitoring inspections in the new year.

The watchdog said it had taken advice from Public Health England about how to undertake its inspections safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resumption of graded Ofsted inspections has been pushed forward until the summer term but the inspectorate is set to start monitoring inspections of schools rated “inadequate” or “requires improvement” from January.

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In new guidance published today, the inspectorate has said: “We have taken advice from Public Health England about how to undertake our inspection activities safely.

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“It will still be appropriate to carry out most inspection activity, as inspectors will continue to take appropriate precautions.

“What precautions are needed will vary from school to school and activity to activity, but inspectors will always ensure that they are acting safely and within the clear guidance given.

“As is usual with monitoring inspections, we will not be carrying out our deep-dive methodology.”

Ofsted’s handbook shows that its normal activity for monitoring inspections includes meeting heads and senior leaders and meeting with representatives of the local authority, academy trust and the chair and members of the governing board.

Inspectors also normally gather evidence which may include discussions with staff and pupils, reviewing minutes of governing body meetings, observing learning and pupils’ behaviour, and talking to pupils about their work and their progress.