Back to School - preparing for the reopening of schools in September
This webinar took place on Monday 29th June 2020 and is now available on-demand. The content in this recording was correct as of the original webinar date.
Schools in England were closed other than to the children of key workers and children who are classified as vulnerable from 20th March as part of the management of the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of the relaxation of lockdown measures many primary schools in England began a phased reopening for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 from 1st June and secondary schools have started to provide some time in school for Years 10 and 12 pupils from 15th June.
However, while the government has said primary schools could welcome back additional pupils this term where there is considered to be capacity to do so, the government’s original ambition for all primary school children to return to school before the summer for a month has now been abandoned and the Secretary of State for Education has said that the government is now “working to bring all children back to school in September”.
Our sspeakers discussed the key legal and HR issues facing schools planning for reopening in September and we shared the lessons learned from our extensive working with clients in relation to the phased reopening of schools to date.
In particular, this webinar focused on the most important considerations around:
- health and safety in school
- employer obligations and leadership support
- parental expectations and concerns
Speakers
Mark Blois
Partner
mark.blois@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 976 6087
Emma Hughes
Partner
Emma is the Head of HR Services and manages the team responsible for providing HR consultancy services to a range of clients across multiple sectors.
emma.hughes@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 2338
.jpg)
Stephanie McGarry
Partner
Stephanie specialises in regulatory law with a particular focus on the issues affecting the education sector. Stephanie advises on policy drafting ranging from consumer protection to mental health and wellbeing.
stephanie.mcgarry@brownejacobson.com
+44(0)115 908 4113
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
Academy Trust Handbook 2025: Managing public money
Opinion
Updates to academy trust governance: A missed opportunity?
Legal Update
Executive pay and the Academy Trust Handbook: Clarity, challenge and good governance
On-Demand
School exclusions: A review of the latest developments and looking to the year ahead
Opinion
Pride Month: A time to review DEI
Guide
Legal project management: A cornerstone in operational delivery of inquiries
Opinion
Employer redundancy guide: Sourcing alternative employment
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson delivers record-breaking growth as strategic vision drives exceptional performance
Legal Update
What might the public inquiry on child sexual exploitation look like
Legal Update
DEI in school governance: Key themes and insights
Opinion
Spending Review: Setting the stage for UK investment
Guide
The socio-economic duty: Shifting mindsets for true social mobility
Press Release
Spending Review 2025: Browne Jacobson lawyers respond to Chancellor’s announcement
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s School Leaders Survey illustrates concerns over financial resilience ahead of spending review
Legal Update
ESG and sustainability report: Rethinking communication and credibility
Press Release
Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research
Opinion
Addressing the gender pay gap in school trusts
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders
Legal Update
The OfS agrees a settlement with Leeds Trinity University
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s latest School Leaders Survey to focus on schools exclusions and early years funding
Press Release
UK-EU reset deal: Comments from Browne Jacobson experts
Opinion
Disciplinary procedures and mental health: Employer considerations
Legal Update
Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: Practical steps for businesses
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected, higher education: Spring 2025
Published Article
Learning from Europe: Funding models for UK schools infrastructure
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts, May 2025
Legal Update
New novel, contentious and repercussive transactions guidance
Legal Update
Unpacking the new guidelines for alternative provision: Practical steps for education institutions and providers
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
Legal Update
Unfunded pay rise for teachers risks strikes, tension, restructures and budget crisis
Guide
Advice for schools on how to handle information requests from the police
Legal Update
2025/26 employment rates and limits: Are costs increases having a negative impact on the job market?
Legal Update
School leaders survey, summer 2025
Legal Update
Analysing new statistics on school exclusions
Legal Update
Lessons from the 2025 cyber security breaches survey for higher education
Legal Update
Safeguarding children: Effective strategies for prevention and response
Legal Update
The rise in schools-based nurseries and the practicalities for growing trusts
Legal Update
Supreme Court ruling on trans women: What schools need to know
Legal Update
Changes to Ofsted inspection, school accountability and intervention
