October 2, 2025
Phelps v Hillingdon LBC [2000] UKHL 47
In a landmark case concerning educational negligence, a local authority was held vicariously liable for its employed psychologist's failure to diagnose a pupil's dyslexia. The House of Lords established that educational professionals owe a direct duty of care to pupils. Facts This case comprised four conjoined appeals, all centred on the alleged failure of local education authorities (LEAs) or their employees to identify and provide for the special educational needs, specifically dyslexia, of pupils. The primary appellant, Pamela Phelps, attended schools under the Hillingdon London Borough Council. Despite showing clear signs of learning difficulties, an educational psychologist employed by the
