Employment Judge Davidson has ruled that management of a children’s hospital school unfairly dismissed a senior teacher, Kate Williams, following retaliatory action for her protected trade union representative activities. The judgment, published on Friday, upheld Ms Williams’ victimisation claims against The Children’s School at Great Ormond Street and University College Hospital. The school’s management has lodged an appeal, but the judge suggested the school is unlikely to succeed in further legal actions.
Background and dismissal
Ms Williams, who had worked at the school for 14 years, was suspended alongside three colleagues for organising a ballot and meeting about a new management regime, despite being the school’s official union rep. The school, rated “outstanding,” educates sick children who would otherwise miss out on schooling due to long hospital stays. The judgment, part of an interim relief claim, stated that Ms Williams’ comments were “not well received” and led to a “fact-finding mission” that was “illustrative of a trawl to find anything that could be alleged against the claimant.”
The tribunal concluded that the dismissal was in response to trade union activities, with Ms Williams acting in her capacity as a union representative engaging with HR about work concerns raised by members. The judgment read: “In conclusion I find that the reasons for dismissal were the comments made by the claimant in the course of carrying out trade union activities and are therefore protected. The comments were ill-judged but not wholly unreasonable.”
Impact on teacher and students
Ms Williams spoke to the New Journal about the ordeal’s impact on her mental health and on students’ education. She said it would be difficult to return to her teaching role, but “focusing on the families and children would get me through this.” She added: “The job keeps you grounded and humble. Yes it’s been a big problem for me, but nothing compared to what those families are going through.”
Ms Williams described the experience as “a horrible ride that I felt like I couldn’t get off.” She expressed shame that children were affected for so long, but noted, “I did everything I could to stop this happening. I’ve also realised that if you don’t stand up to these things, everyone just gets pushed around.” She also said the judgment shows “there is a safety net in society,” but added, “We shouldn’t have to go to extreme lengths to find that net.”
Inspiration from daughter’s campaign
Ms Williams drew inspiration from her daughter, Ruby, who in 2020 led a high-profile campaign against her school in Hackney after being sent home multiple times due to her afro hair being deemed an “unreasonable length.” The campaign sparked pupil protests across the country and led to changes in education policy. Ms Williams said, “In that case we had a black girl being told she had to go home because of her hair, when all these other girls with their long flowing golden locks were fine. There was an emotional cost to my daughter and me. It was painful and damaging to everyone really. But she ended up changing national policy. Throughout this strike, I thought to myself ‘if she can still be at school after that, then so can I.’”
Ms Williams noted that the school was aware she had been struggling with depression at the time of her suspension, following the fallout from her daughter’s campaign. Megan Quinn, Camden NEU Branch Secretary, expressed concerns: “Camden NEU have significant concerns regarding the lack of intervention by the council. The governing body continue to act chaotically and inappropriately and this in turn continues to cause detriment to our members and the vulnerable children they are so committed to.” The Hospital School governing body declined to comment due to its appeal.
