Man sues school
governors over
failure to diagnose dyslexia 
A
man who claims his old school's failure to diagnose and deal with his dyslexia
wrecked his education and employment prospects is suing for more than £400,000
in compensation. Wesley
Henderson of Ashingdon, Essex, UK, claims he was a victim of "education negligence"
whilst a pupil at Greensward College, in Hockley, between 1991 and 1996.
But he in turn faces accusations
he was disruptive and inattentive in class and became "involved in drugs" whilst
at school. Mr Henderson's
lawyers claim the former mixed comprehensive school, which obtained grant maintained
status in 1993, failed to adequately tackle his special educational needs so that
he failed to achieve anything like his academic potential. He
is suing the school's governors and Essex CC, both of whom deny liability in the
case. The Governors' barrister, Mr Neil Moody, told the high court during a preliminary
hearing that Mr Henderson is claiming about £400,000 damages for his past and
future loss of earnings alone. Mr
Moody told Mr justice Elias at the preliminary hearing it is the school's case
that Mr Henderson's special needs were recognised at an early stage and dealt
with and that his academic achievement was roughly in line with his ability.
He said the school would
also claim that Mr Henderson had been "disruptive in class", had made "insufficient
effort" and "lacked motivation". Mr
Moody told the judge that, even if the school were in the end proved negligent,
Mr Henderson had suffered no loss as he had "failed to accept the help that was
offered to him". The
case is due to be heard by a high court judge on 14 October and is expected to
last around five days. With thanks to the
excellent Butterworth's
- local government direct. Read
the full
story. 
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