Preparing for the return of staff post-lockdown
Although we are yet to hear the specifics of how this phased return would work, or the Government's wider strategy for reintegration of society post-lockdown, we have set out below some practical steps for schools to consider when making preparations for the return of staff when the current restrictions end, highlighting also some legal risk areas to be aware of during these uncertain times.
Health and Safety
Keep up to date with both the government's latest guidance on health and safety and the provision of PPE, as well as Public Health England guidance and any sector specific advice issued by the Department of Education to ensure that your internal procedures are compliant. As employers, schools have legal duties in relation to the health and safety of staff and should ensure they regularly review health and safety measures in place so they can be updated in light of any further advice and guidance issued. The Health and Safety Executive has published specific guidance relating to Covid-19, which can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/coronavirus.htm. |
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School Letter Breached Data Protection Act
Last week, the High Court published a judgment where a school that sent a letter to parents regarding the disruptive behavioural issues of a disabled pupil, designed to reassure them that staff were able to deal with the behaviour appropriately, was liable for breaches of the Data Protection Act 1998, misuse of private information and breaches of the Human Rights Act 1998. |