News & insights
Data protection and COVID-19 updated guidance
Following the relaxation of government measures, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has set out guidance for organisations to consider relating to the use of personal information. The ICO advises organisations to review their practices, in order to decide whether the information they have been collecting is still necessary. The questions the ICO recommends asking are: […]
Read MoreDisability discrimination
Mr Trotman was employed by the Romero Multi-Academy Company as a teacher from 4 June 2018. He had experienced problems with his eyes since birth and had undergone surgery on various occasions. However, in a pre-employment questionnaire, Mr Trotman had confirmed that he had no physical or mental health problems and no reasonable adjustments needed to be […]
Read MoreFreedom of information decision notice
This recent case (Decision Notice against Batley Grammar School) sets out the obligations on a public authority when a freedom of information (FOI) request is made. On 14 December 2021, the complainant requested the minutes of governors, committee, and academy member meetings for the school from September 2018 to present. The complainant wrote to the school […]
Read MoreBreastfeeding mother wins harassment case
The recent case of Ms T Mellor v The MFG Academies Trust highlights the importance of providing suitable provision and support to enable mothers to breastfeed at work. Ms Mellor was employed by The MFG Academies Trust (the trust) and worked at Mirfield Free Grammar School (the school) as a teacher of Citizenship. Her claims […]
Read MoreFree checks to protect against cyber attacks
Two National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) cyber security services, which are already helping thousands of organisations to protect their websites and email servers from cyber attacks, are now available to all UK schools. Both tools are available free of charge, are quick to set up, and thereafter run automatically. Free website check The first service, […]
Read MoreSpecial consideration – key stage 2 SATs guidance
The DfE has just updated (25 April 2022) its guidance for schools on the circumstances under which pupils can be given special consideration when they sit their KS2 tests later this term because their results could be affected by traumatic circumstances at the time of the tests. The guidance makes it clear that there is […]
Read MoreConstructive unfair dismissal and disability discrimination
Mrs Davies was employed as a part-time teacher at Riverside Primary School, teaching in the reception class of early years and reception. During December 2017 to January 2018, at the age of 30 years old, she was diagnosed with grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma (a malignant brain tumour), a condition which is incurable and results in an average […]
Read MoreTeaching assistant unfairly dismissed for hugging a pupil
An interesting case involving child safeguarding has recently found a teaching assistant was unfairly dismissed in circumstances where she hugged a child. Mrs Willmott was employed as a teaching assistant working for the Pioneer Learning multi-academy trust. In 2019, she was assigned to provide support to a child with special needs. Mrs Willmott had received […]
Read MoreDo governors have a contract of employment?
In Mr D B Clarke v Governing Body of Lakeview School, the employment tribunal (ET) considered whether the claimant had a case for claiming race discrimination. Facts of the case Mr Clarke applied for the role of a governor at Lakeview School. His application was unsuccessful and he was notified of this on 9 October 2020. On […]
Read MoreChange to fit notes
From 6 April 2022, a new version of a fit note is being rolled out. The requirement for the doctor to sign the form in ink has been removed and replaced by the issuer’s name and profession being included in the form as a digital form of authorising. While GP systems are updated, both the new and […]
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