A SCHOOL failed to properly safeguard a 13-year-old pupil who killed himself, an inquest heard.
Alan Krzymowski missed classes at the Djanogly City Academy for several months because he was being bullied. He eventually took his own life.
After a two-day inquest into his death, assistant deputy coroner for Notts, Stephanie Haskey yesterday recorded a verdict of suicide.
The inquest heard that Alan's attendance record hadn't been flagged up to his family by the academy as it should have been.
However, the coroner outlined that an overhaul of the school's anti-bullying and non-attendance systems since the tragedy – which included bringing in an extra member of staff – had been successful enough to not require further action.
Miss Haskey said: "I am clear that I have not seen evidence to show that Alan was being properly safeguarded. It is clear to me that at this time absenteeism was not being dealt with. Had I not been informed of the work and the changes done, I would have become very concerned."
She added: "I am however reassured by that evidence in particular that sufficient has been done not to have a formal requirement of action to be taken."
The teenager was found hanged at his home in Denman Street, Radford, by his father on the evening of January 20, 2010.
The court heard Alan was assaulted by another pupil on April 1, 2009. He was punched in the face and lost a tooth. His lip was split and his face bruised and swollen.
After comments from other pupils and being bullied during PE lessons, he started missing classes. Miss Haskey said that Alan had felt there was no way out when he and his father Zbigniew were looking to move house and needed to provide evidence of his attendance at school.
Miss Haskey said: "He hopes he can make his life better by getting a house but requires proof. Although he was on the roll, he has not been attending school.
"Mr Krzymowski, not knowing this, asked his son to get the evidence and Alan cannot do so."
Giora Burnham, principal of the academy from April 2009, told the court: "Alan was experiencing bullying, I accept that."
The school has since produced documents covering staff responsibilities, anti-bullying policy and attendance.
Mr Burnham said: "It was really important to get a consistent approach so that nothing went through the cracks."
Following the inquest, in a statement, current Djanogly head teacher Andrew Kilpatrick said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Alan Krzymowski at this difficult time. The loss of Alan was a huge tragedy.
"We have listened carefully to the evidence from the inquest and to the coroner's comments. The protection of our students is our utmost priority and the academy's new management will examine and review the implications of this verdict."
