is the school to blame?

Question

my daughter fell off a scooter at school friday and now has a badly broken arm the school took over an hour to get in contact about it as they said it didnt look serious they have since told me there was only 1 t a to look after 2 classes oh my daughter is only 4 is this right and what should i do now?

i would just like to thank those who have been nice and helpfull and for those who have other opinions i would just like to add i do NOT expect children to be wrapped up in cotton wool just to be more aware of safety issues just a simple thing like elbow and knee pads could of turned a broken arm into a bruise or sprain!of which i make her wear at home when playing on her bike/scooter

Answer 1

thats not right, 1 staff looking after so many pupils. report it x hope ya lil one gets well soon x x x hugges and kisses for her x

Answer 2

oh i really feel for you both.. i broke my arm when i was 4 at school and they didn't call my parents for an hour.. I had clearly broken both bones in my fore arm. but this was 23 years ago you would think things wouldn't have moved along a little more in the mean time. Your right safety pad should have been provided and there should have been more staff taking care of the children.
As far as calling you well I think I'm lucky my children go to a small school where parents and teachers are often friends and at least 1 of the teachers have my mobile number (i was called last week to ask if i could bring my eldest child's swimming kit into school as they had forgotten it!) you should have been called and i suggests you contact the school and ask for a meeting with the school head and possibly the head of governors so you can discuses the issue. to be honest suing the school won't do any good because your daughter will still attend the school and they will all suffer in the end!

hugs and kisses to you all

Answer 3

Oh sweetie... my four year old just broke her arm last month! And today we go and get the cast off, YAY! She tripped over her sister while they were jumping on my couch, and she landed on carpeted floor. Easy as that, they break. But they heal so quickly. Only 3-4 weeks with a castAnd she onyl complained of al ittle pain that first day, after that there was nothing that could stop her. Kids are so amazing. She'll be okay; I know that's your first concern. But tell me what kind of school this is that allows children to ride on scooters without protective equipment, and that doesn't provide adequate supervsion while kids are playing? The concern is not just for injury, but also for abduction. That sounds very unsafe. If such a thing happened to my child I would completely expect the school to take full responsibility, otherwise I would be contacting the school board. The safety policy for children on the playground at my daughters' school is PAGES long, and they run a tight ship there, believe me! Good luck.

Answer 4

My daughter had bruises and cuts all the time at that age. They fall, they break something. Yes maybe the school should have had more adults. Do you think it would have made a difference? It's not always obvious that something is broken. You could choose to play the blaming game and if you want you could sue them....which means money won't go to the kids at school but to you! Or you could get on with things, have a word with the school and enjoy having a playful little girl!

Answer 5

I guess I can understand the part where they didnt call at first if they didn't think it was serious. I do not understand why one teacher assistant is watching 2 classes. Where is the other teacher? That does not seem right at all. My first step would be to call the principal or if she is in preschool to call the director of the preschool and find out why one teacher is watching 2 classes. of 4 year olds! Thats too many kids for one adult. I know its not their fault and she still could have fell and broke her arm but I don't think one adult should look after 2 classes. I am also surprised they did not make her wear elbow and knee pads. Thats standard just like a helmet.
I do think they are responsible for her bill. (I could be wrong but check into that)
Best of luck and I hope she feels better!

Answer 6

at the age of 4, there should be at least 1 adult to every 8-10 children - not 1 to 40 odd - i believe that is illegal and you should definately let the school know how upset you are about this. i would not only report it to the head, but also try the local papers, see what they have to say - this should cause enough stink to make the school think again about leaving so many young children with only one supervisor. yes children may fall all the time, but a broken arm is a bit different to a scuffed knee methinks - and even if it didn't 'look' serious, that is no excuse - parents should be contacted immediately if their child seems in a lot of pain and i imagine a broken arm to a 4 year old would be quite painful.

hope your little darling feels a bit better now - hugs and kisses to her ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Answer 7

Sadly, even though the teacher was no doubt forced to be in charge of so many pupils which no doubt they shouldn't of been and was also no doubt not her fault (but the fault of the Head or Local Authority) it will be her/him that will face the wrath of those that are harmed while in that position.

Legally I am sure the school is in the wrong. Although I have little doubt they could of done much about it.

The ones that SHOULD be taken to court would be the Local authority for funding or the Headmaster/Mistress for lack of cover.

Sad that we have to follow the Americans with instant letigation, as eventually nothing will ever get done for all the red-tape. But on the same hand, if that is the only way that the school can get proper cover, then that is what will have to be done.

I hope your daughter gets well soon.

Answer 8

this is not acceptable if possible contact the educational authority and don't give up till you get a explanation and they will change their policy concerning achild injury as we all leave our children in a school expecting them to be safe as if we are with them ithink that the schools should face the same investigation as parents do when a child is injured at home you are made to feel like a criminal if they think you didn't act fast enough seeking medical help

Answer 9

I broke my finger in PE class while i was in high school and the teacher thought I was faking it and told me it was fine. After class it turned purple and got all swollen so i just walked out of the school and drove to the doctor, where my doctor personally called the school and yelled at the pe teacher and principal. then my mom found out and threatened to press charges, but instead the school ended up paying my doctor bill.

Answer 10

when my daughter was at nursery 7 years ago she had an accident, she fell off a bike. i knew nothing of her accident til i picked her up and she was hardly recognisable. she had two black eyes that were heavily swollen and she had broke her nose. i was livid i had not been contacted so i could take her to the hospital sooner. i think staff need to take more responsibility, we leave our children in their care. yes accidents can happen but proper supervision can also prevent them. i took my complaint to the head but i only got an apology. maybe in your case make a complaint to you lea.

Answer 11

I can tell you this: if you think the school did wrong by your daughter, you should avoid the temptation of taking on the school by yourself, or even with a lawyer.
Instead, make public noise. No lawyer can make up for a sympathetic support base made up of fellow parents with the exact same fears. Voice your concern in the local papers, or at PTA meetings. Get noticed.