Furious mum to sue after five-year-old fractures skull falling from ‘safe’ play bridge

A FURIOUS mum is threatening to take legal action against a school after her daughter fell from a playground bridge fracturing her skull and damaging her neck.

Maddison Woodward, who attends Moorside Community Primary School in Swinton, Salford, fell backwards from the wooden platform on Monday morning horrifically landing on concrete below.

The five-year-old was rushed to Salford Royal where medics confirmed the schoolgirl had cracked her skull and injured vertebrae in her neck.

Her mum Rachel Beswick, 37, has now slammed the school for not having protective flooring under the bridge and said she was seeking immediate legal action.

The mum-of-three told the Manchester Evening News: “I can’t believe the bridge doesn’t have padded floor underneath – it’s so dangerous.

“The school has told me it’s deemed safe and it’s been risk assessed but that it’s been taken out of action while they make improvements

“That’s a contradiction. How can it be safe if they need to improve it?”

Headteacher Stephen lawler-Smith said: “It has been an upsetting accident for everyone as out pupils are very previous to us.

“The playground bridge was put into the playground three years ago when the school was redeveloped and children use it under supervision.

“This is the first accident associated with it or any other equipment on the school premises.”

Maddison was later transferred to and treated at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where doctors claimed her injuries may have long-term effects.

Ms Beswick added: “Maddison is in a lot of pain and has been on a lot of drugs. Maddison was throwing up and in a real state.

“She has been told by doctors she can’t play outside for three months.”

Despite being grateful for the child’s teacher waiting at the hospital, the family are in the process of consulting a solicitor and claim the bridge is “just not safe at all.”

Mr Lawler-Smith said: “The equipment itself was independently checked and cleared as safe and age appropriate.”

He explained how Maddison leaned back while sitting on the bridge causing her to fall through the gap in the rails.

He added: “Staff immediately gave her first aid and called an ambulance.

“They accompanied her and her parents to hospital and stayed with the family all day, offering support.

“We believe Maddison is on the mend and wish her a speedy and full recovery.”

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