Educational Establishments

Robin Simon LLP receives instructions from insurers to investigate claims against schools, colleges and universities. Our experience covers both claims for negligence or breach of contract against professional staff and claims against the governors and other officers.

Claims against teachers, tutors, lecturers and educational psychologists can arise in many areas including:

• Failure to recognise and deal with special educational needs such as dyslexia
• Other errors and omissions resulting in a failure to educate at all stages of education
• Failure to prevent bullying and/or abuse
• Failure to properly supervise students, both while in school and while participating in out of school activities
• Decisions to discipline or exclude students.

Governors and other officers may also face a range of claims and our experience covers:

• Complaints relating to the administration of the establishment or of a particular course
• Claims for defamation, breach of copyright or intellectual property rights
• Complaints from students to the Office of Independent Adjudication for Higher Education

We are able to assist insurers and their insured with claims but we can also offer guidance on the early handling of complaints to prevent the escalation of problems into claims.

We recognise that in the case of some claims there will be issues as to whether a claim falls under professional or public liability cover. If there are coverage concerns, we work with insurers to find a way to resolve them fairly and promptly.

For further assistance, please contact Paul Dally, Helen Fagg or Amanda Stipetic.