Test case for school "pandemic leave"

EXCITING NEWS! SEE UPDATE BELOW

Sam* has a medical condition placing her at high risk of severe COVID-19. Her doctor recommended that she school her child at home during some of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks.

She asked her child’s NSW public school to grant leave and provide nominal support of at-home learning.

The school refused, despite the medical documents provided – and having granted leave to another family in a similar situation.

Worse yet, Sam was threatened with legal action if she kept her child home. She filed a complaint of discrimination on the basis of her disability, but this failed.

Covid Safe Schools Inc is funding this test case against the NSW Department of Education, challenging their refusal to grant leave to the student during the early days of the pandemic.

Covid Safe Schools Inc has retained The People's Solicitors who have agreed to run the appeal for a significantly discounted fixed fee of $5,000.

Former NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, promised that families would not be fined for not sending their child to school if the parents or the child have an underlying health condition; and that they would work with families to find solutions. They broke this promise to Sam.

Will you support the appeal and make schools safer during future outbreaks?

*name changed for privacy

Premier Perrottet's promise