The parents of a six-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by fellow pupils at her primary school have secured a five-figure compensation settlement from a local authority. The ruling, believed to be the first of its kind approved by the high court for a sexual assault involving primary school children, did not include an admission of liability from the council.
The girl, referred to as Bella to protect her identity, was repeatedly assaulted by two boys between October and November 2015. The abuse occurred almost daily, and she was threatened with violence if she told anyone. It later emerged that two staff members had previously witnessed inappropriate sexual behaviour by the boys towards Bella in the playground, but did not escalate the incidents or inform her parents.
The local authority responsible for the school, which cannot be named, agreed to a financial settlement after the parents argued negligence in failing to protect Bella, safeguard her, and adequately train staff. The boys have since left the school.
Bella's mother, Anna, said: 'The abuse that our daughter suffered at school has devastated her and our family. When she made her first disclosure, it felt like no one knew what to do and that every agency we turned to closed its doors to us.' She added that the damages would fund Bella's therapy and hoped the case would highlight the need for better support and training in schools.
From September, all schools and colleges must follow revised statutory guidance on keeping children safe in education and age-appropriate sex and relationship guidance.
