School trip injury payouts cost thousands

TWO Scottish councils have paid out thousands of pounds in compensation for pupils injured on school trips, new figures reveal.

Highland Council paid out the most during the two financial years April 2009 to March 2011 – £2,363.16 and £3,950.45 respectively.

Edinburgh City Council paid out £404.19 for 2009/10 and £194.79 for 2010/11. The council, which had nine successful claims against it during the period, had one claim in 2010/11 still outstanding.

The information came to light following freedom of information requests. No details on the types of injuries or age of children was supplied.

The figures were issued yesterday in the Countryside Alliance Foundation’s report entitled Teaching Children Outside the Classroom.

The Scottish Countryside Alliance said it was renewing its call for increased outdoor learning for Scottish children, after a survey conducted for the report showed parents felt “strong support” for outdoor education.