Education legal update

Welcome to the January 2008 edition of our education legal update, an easy and convenient way for you to stay up-to-date with legal developments affecting the education sector. I hope that you will find these articles topical.

As well as advising schools, colleges and Local Authorities on their legal issues, Browne Jacobson is committed to participating in an extensive programme of education sector training events. This update contains details of some of the seminars and conferences we will be involved in during 2008.

Should you require any further information on any of the issues or events in this edition please feel free to contact us. We would also be very pleased to hear from you with any views you have in relation to the update generally. Happy New Year.

Mark Blois, Partner

Articles in this issue...

Wi-Fi update

Following the recent decision by the Health Protection Agency to carry out further research into the use of Wi-Fi networks, this article looks at the current safety guidance and how it affects schools.

Role of academies

The role of academies with regard to school exclusions policy, banding and children with special educational needs is considered.

Bullying in the workplace

Following the increase in bullying and harassment of teachers by their colleagues and managers, this article looks at the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and recent case law.

Admissions update

Following the Education & Inspections Act 2006 and changes to the law regarding admissions policy, two important recent legal decisions are highlighted. Read more...

Data protection

Following a recent announcement by the Information Commissioner's Office about new powers to enforce breaches of the Data Protection Act, the need for schools and teachers to understand their obligations under the Act are highlighted.

Respite and education funding: never the twain shall meet!

But not anymore following the recent decision of O v London Borough of Lewisham [2007].

Forthcoming events

The content of this quarterly update is provided for the purposes of general interest and information. It contains only brief summaries of aspects of the subject matter and does not provide comprehensive statements of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not provide a substitute for it.