Schools Law Brief

Post-election update for schools

Tuesday, 09 July 2024

As anticipated, the Labour party have been elected with a significant majority. Whilst the imposition of VAT on school fees has attracted the most attention, we are likely to see a number of developments which will affect the sector.

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Preparing for Autumn Employment Law changes

Tuesday, 02 July 2024

In Autumn 2024, new laws are expected to take effect including in relation to workplace sexual harassment and the right to predict a flexible working pattern.

Preparing for Autumn Employment Law changes

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Parliamentary wash-up: which new laws made it through?

Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Parliament has now been dissolved ahead of the general election on 4 July. Some key new laws were passed during the 'wash-up' period while other planned laws were put on hold. We have summarised the position for schools.

Parliamentary wash-up: which new laws made it through?

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

The Labour Manifesto: what Employment Law developments may be on the horizon for Schools?

Tuesday, 25 June 2024

With the likely imposition of VAT on independent school fees, the Labour Party have made a number of strong commitments to extending employment law protection - which are likely to have a significant impact on schools.

The Labour Manifesto: what Employment Law developments may be on the horizon for Schools?

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Fees in Advance Scheme FAQs

Wednesday, 12 June 2024

Independent schools have a long history of offering flexible payment arrangements to parents. Fees in Advance (FIA) schemes are one such option.

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Key employment law changes in place from 6 April 2024

Wednesday, 01 May 2024

A number of new and enhanced employment law rights took effect on 6 April 2024. The changes include the new right to unpaid carer's leave, enhanced redundancy protection for family leave returners, and changes to the flexible working regime.

Key employment law changes in place from 6 April 2024

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Is your school's catering contract a 'prime cut' or a 'turkey twizzler'?

Wednesday, 01 May 2024

If done well, the outsourcing of catering provision allows schools to benefit from expertly-run catering facilities, delivering the highest standards of produce and service.

Is your school's catering contract a 'prime cut' or a 'turkey twizzler'?

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

New guidance for mobile phone use in schools

Wednesday, 01 May 2024

The DfE published guidance in February 2024 to help schools develop and implement policies to prohibit mobile phone use, along with other similar smart technologies, as part of a plan to "minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms".

New guidance for mobile phone use in schools

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Changes to legal duties on schools regarding pupil registration and attendance

Wednesday, 01 May 2024

The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude, and any special educational need they may have.

Changes to legal duties on schools regarding pupil registration and attendance

Employment law changes ahead

Thursday, 01 February 2024

As the new year gets underway, we have looked at some of the key employment law developments anticipated in 2024.

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Are paid governors the future?

Wednesday, 01 May 2024

Economic, demographic and political headwinds are presenting independent schools with a financial challenge to operate efficiently and make good commercial decisions to strengthen their positions.

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

The Protect Duty - are you prepared?

Wednesday, 01 May 2024

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, or so called Protect Duty, was mentioned by King Charles III in his 2023 King's Speech, meaning that it is on the Government's to-do list for the next session.

Articles & Blogs Independent Schools

Gender Questioning Guidance - what does this mean for schools?

Thursday, 01 February 2024

Following the publication of the long awaited DfE guidance on 19 December 2023, we consider what the guidance says and what this means for schools supporting gender questioning children.