Start of school year teachers gift

[llamajohn]

What would primary school teachers and staff appreciate as a gift for the first week or so term? I know it's really hard work those first few days.

There's probably 25 members of staff, including support staff

Was thinking maybe 3-4 little tubs of mini rolls /crispy treats and the like?

Or do you think something more long lasting?

They'd probably appreciate some sweet snacks for the staff room to help them through the first week back :)

It's a lovely idea!

I don’t think that’s a thing - but a nice thought! Must teaching staff I know go on a diet when they go back to work.
Just say hello and be friendly!

I know they work hard so this probably sounds really grumpy, but please don't make this into a thing. Parents already feel pressured into Christmas and end of year presents, in my case for 6 staff involved with one of my DC and another 3 with the other. 9 gifts, twice a year (that aren't tat) already costs enough.

You'd look like you're trying to suck up I suspect, a bit keen.

I wouldn't. It's a bit keen and you'd be risking a serious side eye from the other parents.

I would think, please don’t start with beginning of term gifts. It’s too much. Consider parents who will see this and can’t afford to give anything themselves.

Why would you want to do this - it smacks of trying too hard anyway.

Please don’t. The last thing a classroom of parents needs is another gift buying occasion.

No back to work gifts, even the end of term presents irk me somewhat. We do White Company/John Lewis vouchers, I can’t see the point in buying adults sweet treats.

Nothing. Very strange imo.

They’ve not done anything yet! If they’re great tell them that at the end of the school year.

Because I know people who work in school and know how fucking hard the start of year is.

I think some chocolate and snacks sounds lovely. No one else has to do it if they don’t want to.

What a lovely idea, ignore the jealousy. Sometimes it's nice to be nice isn't it? If only there was more random acts of kindness. 1 parent doing this discreetly does not make it 'a thing'and if you don't agree, don't do it. It's a few mini rolls not a harrods voucher....! Each to their own, I have randomly got flowers a few times for the teacher.

It won’t be made easier by some crispy mini rolls ruining my careful back to work diet though? Seriously just make sure your child is nice and well behaved.

🙄

This.
Put well but very mildly.

I'd think you wanted special treatment for your child. It's inappropriate really

Oh god, the thought of this makes my heart sink, and I really hope this doesn’t become a thing. I already find it overwhelming with the Xmas gifts, end of year gifts, gifts for class reps, and so on. It never ends.

Teachers don't need gifts.
Teachers need parents who support and encourage their children, and who have realistic expectations of both their children and their teachers.

Jealousy?
More like being realistic.

I would be worried they might think I was a lickarse, or trying to buy my child better treatment with a few mini rolls.

So having spent the summer juggling work, spending a fortune on holidays and days out and then forked out for uniform, school shoes, trainers, new lunch bag and rucksack x 2 I should now consider arrive bearing treats. As a single mother who's received no support whatsoever all summer physically or financially I can hand on heart say this is the most furthest thing on my mind right now. Obviously you do you but I hope to god it doesn't become the norm as that's just frigging madness.

Honestly, as a teacher, the most appreciated gift for the start of the year is supportive, engaged parents.
Trust that we are doing our best for the needs of all children in the class, understand that if coat/gloves/hats go missing we will help your child find them but we are not magicians and shouldn't be shouted at if we can't, read with your child when you can, and don't leave me standing around while you turn up 10/15 minutes late for pick up so that I don't have time for a wee before staff meeting!

In all seriousness, I love my job and working alongside parents to get the best out of all the children - support is all we need 😊

I would seriously be suspicious of your motives if I was on the receiving end of such a gift.

As someone who has worked in education/childcare previously, and with a lot of teacher friends, I'd say the best present would be for parents to work with teachers - be cooperative, label uniform, be understanding that September can be a bit of a rocky start!