Video Series for MATs and Academies
Dealing with safeguarding issues in a newly-formed Academy
In our four-part video series, we dissect a recent case involving a school which, after being deemed “inadequate” by Ofsted, converted into an Academy and subsequently joined a MAT. The case study explores how the newly-appointed Headteacher and Trust handled a safeguarding issue concerning a Teaching Assistant who repeatedly ignored direct management instructions.
Ellis Whittam’s Head of Employment Law Education Team, Jane Hallas, and Enlightened HR’s Executive Director, Justin Wilson, discuss from a legal perspective whether the process followed adhered to best practice and the legal options available to Trusts when dealing with a challenging employee.
Part 1: Managing Safeguarding Concerns
In this first instalment, Justin sets the scene, detailing a case involving a Teaching Assistant whose behaviour towards a pupil raised safeguarding concerns. We discuss how the situation unfolded, including the potential missteps made by the school, and Jane explains the legal process schools should follow when faced with safeguarding issues involving staff.
In light of the school’s recent history, was the action taken appropriate? What factors come into play when deciding whether an incident warrants a formal investigation? Hit play to find out.
Part 2: Undertaking an Investigation
Part 3: Conducting a Hearing
Coming Soon
Part 4: Handling a Repeat Safeguarding Offence
Have you experienced a similar incident at your school?
Our Employment Law and HR experts are here to support you. Call us on 0345 226 8393 or find out more about the fixed-fee service Ellis Whittam offers to MATs and Academies.
If you would like additional training on these topics, plus an update on the latest legal developments impacting schools, book your place at our FREE breakfast seminars taking place in November. With only a limited number of places at each venue, reserve your spot early to avoid missing out.
Breakfast Seminars
Jane and Justin will be joining forces again later this year to run FREE breakfast seminars at venues nationwide.
Join us to gain a greater understanding of the topics discussed in this video series plus how recent legal developments will affect your school.
Chester – 5th November
Peterborough – 19th November
Stevenage – 20th November
Leeds – 28th November
About the Hosts
Jane Hallas
Head of Employment Law Education Team at Ellis Whittam
Jane qualified as a solicitor in 2009 and now works as a non-practising solicitor leading the Education Team at Ellis Whittam. Her team advise hundreds of education clients, from Multi-Academy Trusts and single academies, through to independent schools, PRUs, colleges and universities on all HR and employment related matters.
Prior to joining Ellis Whittam, Jane qualified as a teacher (many years ago) and taught GCSEs, A-Levels, a range of vocational/professional courses (including BTEC, AAT, CIPD, Banking) through to lecturing at degree and master’s level. She has also worked as an examiner for A-Level boards as well as the CIPD.
- 0345 226 8393
- jane.hallas@elliswhittam.com
Justin Wilson
Executive Director at Enlightened HR
Justin has strategic leadership experience as a Headteacher and local authority adviser and significant commercial experience working on Academy and Free Development for two major consultancies at Director of Programmes level.
He has an outstanding reputation for the delivery of transformational education programmes on time and on budget, having delivered over 40 Academy, Free School and UTC projects in the past ten years, including all-age, primary and secondary schools.
Talk to us: 0345 226 8393
Chester | enquiries@worknest.com
Woodhouse, Church Lane, Aldford, Chester CH3 6JD
Glasgow | enquiries@worknest.com
The Beacon, 176 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5SG
