Legal action by headteachers, result tomorrow?

[AgntOso]

I understand that the unions have asked the government for the evidence that they have used to determine the safety of schools (I hope that this is right, please advise if not). I've read (on mumsnet) that there will be a result of some sort of the legal challenge tomorrow. Can anyone explain please what is likely to come from this and what time to expect the result? I've tried to google it and have looked on unions website but you have to log into the website and the google search is bringing up mostly yesterday's news but without the detail. I'd appreciate any info please, many thanks

www.naht.org.uk/news-and-opinion/press-room/urgent-revisions-to-the-governments-plans-for-schools-in-january-are-needed/

Think this is what you're referring to? This is the head teachers association and they've started legal proceedings.

They have given the DoE until 4pm to reply.

Boris and gavin seem to think that going on the telly and saying they 100% believe that schools are safe is enough to reassure parents, teachers, local authorities and unions. NAHT (with support from another school leaders union) have demanded the evidence to back up the governments claims. Because school leaders, local authorities all have a duty of care for their staff and their students. They could be legally responsible if they've opened up and put people in danger.

Thank you both. Do you know please, if the government can't produce it, is it likely that will close the schools or does that just mean that if a pupil or staff member gets the virus that the government can them be held responsible legally rather than the school leaders please?

I'm just trying to get a better grasp of the situation.

It would not be any sort of final result, outcome or answer as such tomorrow so don’t put too much reliance or expectation on this coming. Our legal system doesn’t work like that, a reply to very initial steps in proceeds has been requested with a timescale for reply, that reply could vary dramatically and depending on what the reply is (assuming one is even given) that will determine and feed into what next steps happen and next phase of legal advice. The timescales given for reply are also hugely expedited so unlikely a detailed response is going to come that quick

What headteachers have requested is school closures and moving online for a short, determined period with the aim of using the time to make schools safer.

They've asked for things like masks, vaccine priority for teachers and a proper mass testing programme, not the crappy one that schools have been asked to set up themselves.

Thank you for your explanation, i appreciate it.

Our Council is leaving it to schools to decide and have sent an email to all Heads expressing their support for their decision. Since this afternoon a plethora of primaries have decided to close for this week and assess the situation Thursday.