Date updated: Friday 2nd October 2020
In this edition:
- New Covid 19 DfE Directive: what are schools’ duties now to provide remote education?
- School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document updated
- How can employers manage the use of social media by employees?
- Unfair Dismissal: EAT holds that the dismissal of a teacher who was charged with possession of indecent images of children, but not prosecuted, was unfair-K v L
- Performance Management: The changed landscape and how to navigate it
- Advice to schools on notices received from parents
- Stone King’s Education Team to continue supporting clients with its webinar programme
- Forthcoming webinars
- Stone King in the news
- New Covid 19 DfE Directive: what are schools’ duties now to provide remote education?
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The DfE has issued a new directive here dated 30.9.20 compelling English schools to “provide remote education” to pupils who are unable to attend school due to coronavirus. Schools need to take the Remote education direction explanatory note when meeting this duty. The obligation will last from 22nd October to the end of the current school year.
- School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document updated
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The STPCD was updated last month and we have analysed the information for you.
- How can employers manage the use of social media by employees?
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With the rise of social media platforms soaring in the last 10 years, it is very likely that a high percentage of your employees have social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or now, TikTok.
- Unfair Dismissal: EAT holds that the dismissal of a teacher who was charged with possession of indecent images of children, but not prosecuted, was unfair-K v L
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The Employment Appeals Tribunal (‘EAT’) has held that the dismissal of a teacher for having indecent images of children on his computer was unfair. The decision provides useful guidance for employers in similar situations on the limits of relying on reputational damage as a reason for dismissal.
- Performance Management: The changed landscape and how to navigate it
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As schools continue to cope with the fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic, how can they resume appraisals and guarantee the system is both fair to the individual and
effective for the school? What data is appropriate? And how should staff wellbeing influence the process? - Advice to schools on notices received from parents
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Schools have been receiving “Notices” from some parents demanding certain actions regarding COVID-19 by schools. Solicitors Stone King LLP, a CST Platinum Partner, has provided the following briefing on how to respond to those notices and partner Laura Berman is available to advise on any specific questions schools may have on this topic.
- Stone King’s Education Team to continue supporting clients with its webinar programme
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We have had feedback from a number of schools who told us they would find it helpful for us to continue to hold webinars in response to changing legislation. In order to accommodate that, we have postponed our annual education conference and will continue to provide webinars with swift answers and solutions to an ever-changing landscape. If there are any topics you would like to see covered in a webinar please let your contact at Stone King know.
- Forthcoming webinars:
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Managing Family Issues in Schools - 13.10.2020
This free webinar will provide information on parental responsibility and family court orders, and look at issues that may arise in an education setting. Book here.
Virtual Training: Getting it right as an Academy Clerk or Company Secretary - 12.11.2020
This event is vital for academy trusts or those establishing an academy trust. It will clearly explain the role of Company Secretary or Clerk as well as providing comprehensive training to help you in the role. Book here.
- Stone King in the news:
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Stone King has again been ranked as a top tier firm by independent guide The Legal 500. Our Education Team also received a top Tier 1 ranking and we are delighted to see the work we do for our clients recognised in this way. Our full rankings can be seen here.
Craig Vincent interviewed by The Times and Tes
The Times and Tes interviewed Stone King’s Craig Vincent on how schools should deal with staff who are planning overseas travel this half-term.
The article can be read here, with Stone King’s guidance here.
Tes spoke to Jean Boyle on social media and the implications for school staff
Jean is a Partner in Stone King’s Employment Team and specialises in education law. The full article can be read here.
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