Redbridge Council has paid out almost £100,000 in compensation for accidents at schools, new figures show.

A freedom of information request by the Employment Law Advisory Service found 61 claims were lodged and £99,735 awarded in the last five years – one of the highest payouts in London.

Bromley Council, by contrast, did not have to pay a penny but Enfield Council had 18 successful claims that cost £144,000.

Details of the cases were not released but accidents at schools across London caused fractured bones, severed fingers and injuries from unsafe classroom and sports equipment.

A Redbridge Council spokesman said the figures covered compensation for children, teachers, parents and visitors.

He added: “We have looked into our numbers and do not believe that we have a greater amount of claims for children in schools than any other borough.

“We monitor all schools carefully, and if any issues were highlighted we would take the required action immediately.”

More than 1,000 people in London were paid a total £1,609,291 for accidents at schools caused by “basic health and safety failings”.

Wayne Dunning, a health and safety consultant for the Employment Law Advisory Service said: “Health and safety is not being managed properly in the education sector and this is costing taxpayers millions, not only in direct compensation, but also additional hidden costs from administration.”