Headteacher Wheelchair-Bound After Pupil Attack

A headteacher, identified as Michelle Stone, 50, has been awarded a substantial six-figure settlement following a severe assault by a student with special needs. The incident occurred in May 2019 at a school in Hampshire, where Mrs. Stone intervened to assist a colleague. She sustained critical injuries, including spinal damage, broken ribs, and a fractured collarbone, necessitating a wheelchair and forcing her departure from her teaching role.

Prior to the attack, the same student had injured other staff members, and multiple adults were often required for supervision. Mrs. Stone had consistently alerted senior leadership to safety concerns from late 2018 onwards, highlighting the danger to both staff and students. Despite these warnings, the school did not implement additional support measures or alter its approach. Legal representatives stated the school denied liability but ultimately agreed to the settlement, citing a failure to act on repeated concerns and previous incidents.

Mrs. Stone now experiences constant pain and psychological distress, describing her condition as degenerative. Her legal team emphasized the school's failure to respond appropriately to the risks. The case underscores concerns about staff safety in educational environments dealing with complex behavioral challenges, with calls for better protective measures and support for educators.