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Original poster

Furious With School

74 replies

littlemissmoomoo · 22/06/2019 02:22

My children's school asks for a contribution of £10 per half term per child. This is fine. I have 2 at the school, 2 others have been there and 2 more who will be going when they are old enough. I've always paid, sometimes I'll pay a little more if I can afford it.

I've just read this weeks newsletter and they have NAMED every single child who's parents are yet to contribute this half term. My children are on there. I gave birth 12 days ago. Before the birth, I was in hospital for 9 days. I was then in hospital for 3 days after the birth. My kids then all came down the sickness bug.

My kids aren't the only ones named, there are 17 names out of a school of around 80 kids. I'm absolutely furious, as I'm sure the other parents are, that we have been "named and shamed"!

OP posts:
EmmaGrundyForPM · 22/06/2019 02:26

That is appalling. I would be writing a very stern email to the head and the Chair of Governors.

Ifeelinclined · 22/06/2019 02:27

That is completely unacceptable. I would be livid. I'm so sorry OP.

Oliversmumsarmy · 22/06/2019 02:33

Presumably this is a voluntary contribution.

I would not give the money. What would they do?

Advertise your name as a non payer

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General education
ElizabethMainwaring · 22/06/2019 02:33

That is utterly disgusting! Very stupid of them too. How can they think that this an acceptable thing to do? Schools never cease to amaze me.

ReganSomerset · 22/06/2019 02:35

I would be complaining to the local authority and ofsted. That's not on. Even asking for the money in the first place is a bloody cheek imo.

nocoolnamesleft · 22/06/2019 02:42

That's fucking appalling. What a way to shame the children of lower income families!

snitzelvoncrumb · 22/06/2019 03:02

Does you school have a Facebook page? I would post a message telling where they can stick the contribution that you will no longer be giving them.

BoomBoomsCousin · 22/06/2019 03:06

That is outrageous.

I would probably write and tell them that, in light of their actions, I would not be making any further contributions to school funds.

GoFiguire · 22/06/2019 03:18

Which school is this? We can rally round and organise a sit in.

FionasWineShow · 22/06/2019 03:24

Write to them?!?

I'd be calling and setting up a meeting with the principal, and asking them to explain what the fuck's going on.

Nancydrawn · 22/06/2019 03:29

What's particularly outrageous is that they named your children, not you. It's straight-up socioeconomic bullying and completely unacceptable.

MaxiPaddy · 22/06/2019 03:29

Relax and put down your pitchfork there, GoFiguire.

Totur · 22/06/2019 03:31

Why would they do that?

echt · 22/06/2019 03:35

Can't you screw them over on data protection?

Alicewond · 22/06/2019 03:37

Is this a public or private school? Public ones adhere to strict regulations which would make this illegal. Private ones however would have you sign a contract and read whatever small print they give

ScoobyCan · 22/06/2019 03:42

That's a breach of GDPR right there...

Topseyt · 22/06/2019 03:55

Yes, I'd be furious too. They would be getting a strongly worded note from me saying that I didn't appreciate their behaviour and no further contributions would be forthcoming from me for this reason.

Soola · 22/06/2019 05:42

Have they ever published a breakdown on what they have spent the parents money on?

I would be demanding that they do that ASAP.

youarenotkiddingme · 22/06/2019 06:00

Wow. That's going beyond acceptable. Shock

It's doesn't matter why you've not paid (congratulations btw Grin) - it's voluntary.

And what's worse is when they can't afford something next 1/4 of the school will find their children bullied in the playground for being responsible.

Doryhunky · 22/06/2019 06:23

Unacceptable for the reasons set out above. Also a breach of the Gdpr. Call the ico helpline and ask for guidance on your right to ask the school for a copy of your personal data and your right to require the school to restrict how it uses your data.

ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/principles/

SavoyCabbage · 22/06/2019 06:27

That is absolutely outrageous! I'm so shocked.

MerryMarigold · 22/06/2019 06:33

I'm sure the not allowed to do that. That would be like naming and shaming all those behind on dinner money, or anything. I expect it was a daft moment from the office, but the Head should check letters before they go out. Definitely make a huge fuss! They need to start with a letter of apology to each family plus a public apology letter taking ownership of this dreadful mistake.

DameSquashalot · 22/06/2019 06:39

I would be furious too! I would definitely take it up with them.

LolaSmiles · 22/06/2019 06:41

That's awful and you're well within your rights to complain.

It feels like the implication behind it is 'now you know who to blame when we can't have nice things', which is disgusting as the reason schools are struggling financially is due to people voting in a party who want to cut spending.

It would be much better to have a newsletter item saying 'as you know due to real terms cuts to our budget by central government, we ask for a voluntary donation from parents. Thank you to those who have donated and if you haven't donated and would still like to, please contact the office'

feathermucker · 22/06/2019 06:50

Surely the contribution is voluntary, so their logic for naming your child n is bizarre.

I'd be very angry.

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