The new Act consolidates the law, but also contains important new provisions that schools managers should take on board, says Tony Hyams-Parish
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Modern technology has spawned a variety of new media — but with benefits come serious dangers. Kris Lines explains duties to keep staff and pupils safe
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Dai Durbridge, a safeguarding expert at Browne Jacobson solicitors, examines the new Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance and summaries the key changes below
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Were the recent adjustments to the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) necessary? Katie Michelon examines some of the changes that Singleton has recommended in his report, Drawing the Line, which was published in December, and provides an update on the new guidance and the awaited sector-specific guidance
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The recently published Lamb Report on special educational needs (SEN) and parental confidence has made some interesting recommendations. But are they all realistic? Westley Laird reviews the report and reflects on its viability
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This week’s copy, by Katie Michelon, examines key proposals of the new Children, Schools and Families Bill including new rules on accountability for schools, parental responsibility, curriculum, National Challenge schools, school report cards and home school guarantees
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What are the legal considerations to the topic of pupil voice within education? Mark Blois discusses
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Dai Durbridge considers the current position of the Independent Safeguarding Authority and the effect the new powers will have on teachers and schools
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Sarah Houston looks at proposed changes to the equalities law in terms of it's affect on employment within the education sector
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Susie Roome discusses your responsibilities and obligations towards disabled pupils, and how recent case law may assist in successfully defending these challenges
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How will Lord Laming's 2009 report impact upon a schoo's information sharing duties and resulting policy? Dai Durbridge discussesses correct information sharing and its role in good child protection practice
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Mark Blois looks at how changes to the machinery of government are affecting the delivery of education for 16 to 19 year olds
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The provision of transport for pupils with SEN, specifically the responsibility of local authorities (LAs) in this area is discussed here by Michael Segal
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Independent schools with international pupils on roll are now required to have a more active involvement in immigration administration. Mark Blois and Helen Rideout discuss
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The local authority's role in improving schools is a crucial one. But new powers that have been proposed are controversial, says Mark Blois
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Complex legal guidance on exclusion and reintegration has been updated to take Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) into account. Ingrid Sutherland thinks the detail is worth reviewing
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The emphasis of school trips is now on risk-aversion, with priority being placed on experience and adventure. But schools should remember that the threat of litigation has not diminished, warns Susie Roome
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This e-bulletin discusses LAs having the power to intervene in situations where schools are causing concern, often following an Ofsted inspection
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What powers do teachers actually have when it comes to disruptive pupils at school? Dai Durbridge discusses with reference to the use of force and confiscation
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The Joint Committee on Human Rights has called on the government to adopt a Bill of Rights that goes beyond the existing legislation. Kate Mills looks at the proposals that relate to education
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In cases of sexual offence, it is often a school's duty to educate the perpetrator as well as protect the victim. Yvonne Spencer provides advice on how to balance these competing needs
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When a teacher finds it necessary to use force with a pupil it is essential that they are clear on how to use that force — and how much to use — as well as how to deal with the recording and reporting of the incident afterwards
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Wearing religious symbols in school has become a sensitive and increasingly public issue, in relation to correct school uniform. Mark Blois looks at a recent case and explains the legal position and the implications for schools
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Until recently, schools faced copyright barriers when scanning textbooks for pupils with additional support needs. Paul Nisbet discusses recent changes to the law, and their implications for pupils in Scotland and the rest of the UK
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Michael Segal gives guidance on what to consider when wording a pupil exclusion decision letter
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Parents have a duty to know the whereabouts of their child for the first five days of exclusion, and schools and LAs should provide suitable full-time education from the sixth school day of exclusion, states statutory guidance
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Are you familiar with the details surrounding this vital piece of legislation? Claire Anderson explains to educators what they need to know regarding the basic legal implications of when they are able to use force with pupils
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Do you know your way around educational employment law? Does your school's pay and remuneration package meet or exceed minimum standards? Tamara Ludlow gives a legal overview of essential information for both leadership teams and staff
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What are your responsibilities and obligations towards pupils at your school who are disabled? Mark Blois discusses the relevant legislation and explains what you need to know and do
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Consent is required for many aspects of school life but it is not always clear what form this must take. Kate Mills looks at the issue of consent; when it is required, who needs to provide it, and how a school should go about getting it
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This case discusses the dilemma of weighing a child's wellbeing against the need for that child to give evidence in court, in order to provide a fair trail for the defence
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Michael Segal looks at a legal case where the parents' religious beliefs demanded that their children have home schooling
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Schools that are properly prepared for employment tribunal hearings can minimise cost and maximise their likelihood of success, writes Tamara Ludlow
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Has increased SEN delegated funding led to fewer statements? Roger Inman looks at the friction between the law and new ways of providing for learning difficulties in the mainstream
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This Legal Expertise examines schools’ legal obligations in the area of internet usage, offering ideas for managing the risks involved
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In a move away from strict liability in terms of accidents at school, the courts have said that they are sometimes nobody’s fault. Kris Lines explains
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With the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) due to launch at the end of 2009, Chris Webb-Jenkins takes a look at the practical implications of the complete overhaul of our vetting and barring system
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How does a school ensure that its website does not inadvertently break the law, or compromise the safety and privacy of its pupils? Susie Roome considers the relevant law and provides some practical advice on how to limit the risks to your school and pupils from the content of your school website
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This e-bulletin looks at the legal implications of The Children's Plan and considers the impact it will have on schools
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One of the challenges facing teachers is maintaining good order and discipline in schools. Dai Durbridge looks at the powers available to teachers regarding the use of force, and outlines the legal framework of this delicate area
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Confiscating pupil property can be an effective tool in maintaining order in classrooms and holding the attention of pupils. Dai Durbridge explains the legal provision and how teachers should make their decisions to confiscate
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Amid increasing and disproportionate publicity about injuries to children on school trips, as well as teachers’ concerns about liability in the case of an accident, Sarah Erwin-Jones explains the relevant legislation and signposts guidance
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Biometric data systems in schools can now be used to speed up lunch queues, remove the need for students to carry money, save time in taking registers and prevent unauthorised access to school premises
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Legal Expertise considers how the Children and Young Persons Bill looks set to have a significant impact on the way schools admit and teach looked after children read more
Looking at the current status of ContactPoint, its timescale and the effect it is likely to have on schools read more
On 30 January 2008 the House of Lords gave judgment in six cases on issues of limitation and negligence. The ramifications of the decision for those working in education are far reaching, as Dai Durbridge explains.
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The recent media frenzy surrounding the safety of personal information has pushed data protection and information sharing back into the spotlight. We consider whether the risk of losing children's information should make us review our methods of sharing it
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Legal Expertise looks at the management of an allegation of harmful behaviour made by a child against a member of staff read more
The figures suggest a success story, but the Trust Schools programme has had its fair share of controversy read more