William Avery-Wright's school criticised for naming dead pupil

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-23246143

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A father whose son died after being hit by a car while crossing the road has criticised his school for telling other parents about his death before him.

William Avery-Wright, 13, was running late for a rugby match when he was hit by a Land Rover while crossing the road at Worth School, near Crawley.

An inquest at Crawley Town Hall recorded his death as accidental.

His father William found out about his death on the way to hospital after receiving condolence text messages.

The school said it told other parents in "good faith" believing William's parents had been informed by police.

The inquest at Crawley Town Hall heard William should have been supervised by an adult while crossing the road.

Assistant deputy coroner Bridget Dolan said: "A school rule was not enforced or adhered to."

The accident took place on 30 November on Paddockhurst Road outside the public school's gates.

William was pronounced dead at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill later that day.

School apology

Speaking after the inquest his mother, Lisa, said: "We feel very strongly that we put a huge amount of trust into the school and expectation, and unfortunately those expectations weren't met."

His father, Christopher, criticised the school after it sent out an email telling parents that William had died before he was informed.

He said: "When I was collected by police I was getting text messages saying William had died.

"Clearly I had no knowledge of whether this was correct."

Mr and Mrs Avery-Wright are suing the school claiming their son should have been supervised while crossing the road.

In a statement the school said it "respects and accepts" the coroner's verdict.

It added: "Her findings reflect the school's admission that the rule that year seven and eight pupils should be escorted across the Paddockhurst Road was not enforced or adhered to.

"For this failure the school apologises."

The school said the speed limit along the road had been reduced from 60mph to 40mph and a bridge over the road for pupils to use is currently under construction.