£250,000 for teacher who fell off a table in classroom

A TEACHER was awarded almost £250,000 in compensation after falling while putting up a class display, figures show. The payout was among several large settlements awarded to staff following incidents on school property.

They included almost £85,000 for a teacher who slipped on ice. A teacher from the Midlands also received £250,000 after being subjected to continuing incidents of pupil violence over four years.

The data from teaching unions shows how much of taxpayers’ money is being spent on payouts. The NASUWT union alone secured more than £16million for its members last year.

Among the highest payouts was almost £250,000 given to the teacher in East England who fell using a table and chair to put up a display. She suffered a fracture, which aggravated her fibromyalgia and depressive illness, said the National Education Union. This prevented her working and her contract was terminated.

A case was brought against the local authority for failing to provide proper equipment.