Sharon Shoesmith's legal challenge to education secretary, Ed Balls, is being fast-tracked through the legal system, it has emerged. It was revealed that the former director of children's services for Haringey LBC will have her case heard in the High Court, starting on 7 October. Earlier this year, she launched a judicial review against Ofsted, the secretary of state for children, schools and families, and Haringey. It claimed the joint area review by Ofsted was unlawful, and the council acted in breach of its own procedures in terminating her employment. The legal action also claims that, in his directions to dismiss Ms Shoesmith without compensation, the secretary of state acted outside his powers and was influenced by the media. Ms Shoesmith also launched an unfair dismissal case with an employment tribunal. In response to reports that SOLACE was funding the legal challenge, a spokesman said members of the society could ‘buy employment and other insurance cover'. However, he added: ‘It would be wrong to comment on individual cases.'
