Education

We have experience in assisting schools of different types and their insurers when they are faced with claims by parents or pupils relating to the treatment of the child by the school. This can cover issues relating to admission decisions, alleged discrimination, disciplinary issues including exclusion of the pupil from the school, confidentiality issues in cases of alleged abuse, and various allegations that the school has failed in its duty to protect children from bullying or to identify signs of possible underlying medical causes for behavioural problems.

Our team ensures that the legal ramifications of each claim are fully understood by the schools and the parents, but is also mindful that there are generally strong emotive issues involved on all sides that require careful handling. Complaints against schools are often not primarily about financial compensation, but also about obtaining recognition of unfair treatment or assurances with respect to the school’s future approach to issues associated with particular children. We aim to be sensitive to the underlying objectives of all parties involved, including the paramount objective of settling matters in the best interests of the children. We therefore aim to direct complaints through the school’s internal processes or a negotiated or mediated settlement, rather than through the tribunals or courts.

Since neither parents nor teachers are generally used to claims, we often act as a guide through the process and a facilitator in settlement discussions, as well as providing, together with specialist education counsel, the required legal advice.

Dispute resolution: We help our clients avoid litigation and provide expert advice to resolve disputes where possible. Our advice is clear, commercial and conscious of reputational risk. We will vigorously defend unmeritorious claims.

Full Service: As a full-service firm, we work closely with colleagues in areas such as tax and insolvency to provide comprehensive advice focused on achieving the best outcome. 

For more information and detailed credentials, contact the Partner team, details above.