This was what everyone feared. Children hardest hit by COVID-19 have regressed in some basic skills and learning.

Ofsted’s second report into the impact of the pandemic has also found that some young children, who were previously potty-trained, have lapsed back into nappies, particularly those whose parents were unable to work flexibly. Also older children have lost stamina in their reading and writing, some have lost physical fitness and others show signs of mental distress, including an increase in eating disorders and self-harm.

There are also concerns about children who were out of sight during school closures, with falling referrals to social care teams raising fears that domestic neglect, exploitation or abuse is going undetected.

Ofsted carried out more than 900 visits to education and social care providers during September and October.

Five reports have been published from the visits, reflecting on the experiences of leaders working in schools, further education and skills, early years, social care and Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND).

Inspectors found children’s experiences weren’t necessarily determined by privilege or deprivation. Rather, those who are coping well have good support structures around them and have benefited from quality time spent with families and carers. This is true for children from all backgrounds, including those within the care system, some of whom saw relationships with carers improve.

Inspectors found that senior leaders across the board are working more intensively than ever and showing remarkable resilience. However, leaders across education and social care expressed their concerns over budgets. Covering for staff absences and maintaining enhanced cleaning regimes are pushing up costs in schools and children’s homes. These concerns are compounded in early years and further education by worries over income streams.

Ofsted’s first report, published in October, found that around a third of the schools visited had seen an increase in children being educated at home. This second report finds that this remains a concern, with around a half of schools visited seeing an increase in home schooling. School leaders reported that this was being motivated by parents’ fears about the virus, rather than their committed desire to home educate.

Further reports will be published in December.