Webster & Ors v Ridgeway Foundation School

The school owed Henry Webster a duty of care but did not breach that duty. The school acted within a reasonable range of responses regarding site security, supervision, discipline, and race equality. The injuries were caused by a criminal outsider, not foreseeable or preventable by the school. No causative link between alleged negligence and injury. No breach of Human Rights Act obligations. Claims dismissed.

Parties: First Claimant: Henry Webster; Second Claimant: Joseph Webster (through Elizabeth Webster); Third Claimant: Elizabeth Webster; Fourth Claimant: Roger Durnford; Defendant: The Ridgeway Foundation School
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 05 February 2010
Procedural Posture: Civil / Judgment on Preliminary Issue of Liability
Outcome: Claims dismissed
Legal Topics: Negligence, Duty of Care, Causation, Race Relations, School Security, Human Rights Act, Article 3 ECHR, Disciplinary Policy, Contributory Negligence

Tort Law Human Rights Law Education Law Negligence Duty of Care Causation Race Relations School Security +4 more

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Parties

Henry Webster

First Claimant

Joseph Webster (through Elizabeth Webster)

Second Claimant

Elizabeth Webster

Third Claimant

Roger Durnford

Fourth Claimant

The Ridgeway Foundation School

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment on Preliminary Issue of Liability

Legal Issues

1 Did the school owe a duty of care to Henry Webster?
2 Was the school in breach of its duty of care?
3 Was the breach causative of Henry Webster's injuries?

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Claims dismissed