School Closure As A Result Of The Infection Of A Number Of Staff With Covid-19

A Primary School was recently forced to close all but one year group as a result of the infection of a number of staff with Covid-19 following an out of school social event. Members of staff attending the event contracted Covid-19, and the infection spread to other members of staff who did not attend. Whilst the staff were not breaching the local lockdown rules, the case brings to light a number of concerns for education providers trying to remain open in the current climate. It raises complex issues from an employment law standpoint in particular. Could such action warrant disciplinary action, amount to misconduct, or affect the level of remuneration received by staff if they subsequently need to isolate for example?

Educational Websites & the ICO's Code of Practice

On 2 September 2020, the ICO's Age Appropriate Design Code (known as the Children's Code) came into force. The Children's Code sets out 15 standards that online services should meet to protect children's privacy whilst online.

The Children's Code is a statutory code of conduct which the Information Commissioner must have regard to when considering whether an online service has complied with its data protection obligations under the GDPR or PECR. In particular, the ICO will take the code into account when considering questions of fairness, lawfulness, transparency and accountability under the GDPR, and in the use of its enforcement powers.

Re-Starting Well - Back to School

Forbes Solicitors Education specialists hosted an online discussion and were joined by panellists Chris Malings from Malings Change Associates, Paul Atkinson - Director of Finance and Business, Vicki Hayward - SBM and Noel Conreen - Business and Finance Manager.

It is more important now than ever with the constantly changing landscape that we share knowledge and best practice to navigate our way through guidance and find practical solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Education specialists James Barron and Joshua Burke answer some of the frequently asked questions in the Education sector.

To view the vieo please click here where they answer:

• Will pupils be required to have a Coronavirus Vaccine?
• Will pupils be required to take a Coronavirus Test?
• Will pupils be required to use hand sanitisers?
• Will pupils be required to wash their hands upon arrival?
• Will pupils be required to have their Temperature Checked?
• Will pupils be required to give consent for the school to provide their details for NHS Track and Trace?
• Will Face Coverings be mandatory?

Pregnancy and the workplace post-lockdown: Should staff return to school?

As many schools have now commenced a period of wider re-opening, following the COVID-19 lockdown and summer break, questions still remain regarding more vulnerable members of staff and whether they should be attending school, where they may be required to mix with hundreds of people on a daily basis.

The shielding period for COVID-19 was officially paused on 1 August 2020. There is suggestion that this period may recommence, if infection rates rise significantly, though presently there is no requirement for more vulnerable individuals to shield themselves at home. Government guidance confirms that pregnant women, in particular, continue to be considered 'clinically vulnerable.' A pregnant woman can also be considered 'extremely clinically vulnerable,' if they also suffer with an underlying medical condition. Considering this, a significant question remains whether or not a pregnant woman should attend the workplace, particularly for those working in the education sector.

Upcoming Online Events

Live Education Q&A - 7th Ocotber // To book your place please click here

Managing School Opening & Closures - 15th October // To book your place please click here

Education Forum - 3rd November // Programme to be cofirmed