Articles
Allergy safety in schools: speed read on what schools need to know about the new DfE guidance
10 Jul 2026The Department for Education (DfE) has published new guidance in relation to allergy safety in schools.
Managing data protection complaints in schools - navigating the Independent School standards
11 Jun 2026From 19 June 2026, Section 164A of the Data Protection Act 2018 introduces a formalised framework for how organisations, including schools, must handle data protection complaints. While the statutory requirements themselves are relatively procedural in nature, their interaction with existing school complaints frameworks, particularly the ISSR Part 7 parental complaints procedure, raises important practical questions.
In this article, we set out our view on how schools can most effectively manage these overlapping regimes, ensuring compliance while preserving fairness and operational efficiency.
Recovering possession of school accommodation - what schools need to know
11 Jun 2026The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (the Act) came into force on 1 May 2026 and will change the way in which schools manage their residential property portfolio which is let on a tenancy.
With the abolition of section 21 "no fault" notices, unless the tenant is happy to vacate voluntarily, schools will only be able to terminate a tenancy through service of a Section 8 Notice in reliance on one of the possession grounds set out in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988. These grounds cover a range of scenarios including non-payment of rent and illegal activity by the tenant at the property.
For many schools, ground 5C will be one of the most important tools available. We will comment on this further below in order to help schools put themselves in the best position to obtain possession when required.
Fair Work Agency - what schools need to know
11 Jun 2026The Fair Work Agency launched in April 2026 with a strong early focus on National Minimum Wage enforcement. Schools should take this opportunity to review their pay practices, working hours, and deductions to reduce the risk of non-compliance.
Early years - hidden childcare fees under scrutiny
11 Jun 2026On 26 May 2026, the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, wrote to Sarah Cardell, the Chief Executive of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), requesting an independent review of the English early years childcare market.
Allergy safety in schools - key takeaways from the DfE’s latest update
03 Jun 2026Benedict Coffin from the Department for Education (DfE) has provided further insight into its plans for strengthening allergy safety in schools during a recent online session organised by the Allergy Team.
