Figures acquired by the East Anglian Daily Times have revealed that Essex County Council paid £222,137 in compensation for pupils injured at school between 2008 and 2010.
The compensation settlements account for seventeen successful claims for pupils injured at school during the three year period – with several claims for accidents which occurred in 2011 and 2012 still to be agreed.
Among the highest settlements of compensation for pupils injured at school were:
• £30,544 injury compensation for a trip on a school step
• £28,972 for a child who injured his face against a window ledge
• £27,780 compensation for a slip on a wet floor at school
• Two amounts of £24,650 and £23,580 paid in settlement of claims for falls from school climbing equipment
A spokesperson for Essex County Council commented on the figures. “Essex County Council takes its health, safety and wellbeing responsibilities seriously and is committed to complying with its legal, moral and financial obligations”.
However, County Councillor Julie Young said some parents might find the figures disturbing – and insisted more should be done to improve health and safety in schools. In relation to the settlements of compensation for pupils injured at schools in Essex she stated “It is my understanding the council offers training but I question whether there is enough analysis done. I think more needs to be done.”