Education Act 1996

522 Compulsory cleansing of a pupil

(1) If, on an examination under section 521, the person or clothing of a pupil is found to be infested with vermin or in a foul condition, any officer of the local education authority may serve a notice on the pupil’s parent requiring him to cause the pupil’s person and clothing to be cleansed.

(2) The notice shall inform the parent that, unless within the period specified in the notice the pupil’s person and clothing are cleansed to the satisfaction of such person as is specified in the notice, the cleansing will be carried out under arrangements made by the authority.

(3) The period so specified shall not be less than 24 hours from the service of the notice.

(4) If, on a report being made to him by the specified person at the end of the specified period, a medical officer of the authority is not satisfied that the pupil’s person and clothing have been properly cleansed, he may by order direct that they shall be cleansed under arrangements made by the authority under section 523.

(5) An order made under subsection (4) shall be sufficient to authorise any officer of the authority—

(a) to cause the pupil’s person and clothing to be cleansed in accordance with arrangements made by the authority under section 523, and

(b) for that purpose to convey the pupil to, and detain him at, any premises provided in accordance with such arrangements.