Compensation culture affecting Sutton schools

One unnamed child, who fell over a bin in the playground, has received a payout of £2,400 from Sutton Council.

Another annonymous school pupil, who burnt their hand during a science lesson, has been awarded £5,156.30.

There are fears the claims, which have been met by the insurance companies, could encourage further legal action from parents.

Gary Kirkwood, Chair of Governors at Foresters Primary School and a parent governor at Manor Park Primary School, said the risk of claims is having a serious impact on the way schools operate.

He said: “I have concerns as a parent and school governor about the growing compensation culture and the impact it is having on our children.

“There is a potential for schools to restrict access to more challenging activities to try and avoid claims. But these activities can improve children's skills.

“I know one head teacher who has a simple policy that any trips, especially over night trips, won't have any access to water.”

A spokeswoman for The TayPayers Alliance said: “Sadly there is a growing compensation culture in many areas of society and that is now infecting the education system and schools.

“It is important to strike a balance between the role schools need to play in preventing accidents and nanny state health and safety.

“Tax payers want to see their money going on school books and education and not going towards scurrilous claims.”

Andrew Theobald, a school governor and chairman of the Carshalton and Wallington Labour Party said he believed reforms in the legal system were partly to blame for the rise in claims, with more lawyers offering their services on a “no win no fee” basis - pushing up insurance premiums.

Councillor Kirsty Jerome, Sutton Council's executive member for education and schools, said: “We take safety very seriously. Although we would certainly want to avoid all such incidents, we are one of the safest boroughs in London, with only two incidents in the last year.”