to be uneasy about 10yos knocking on doors for "spare" change?

[letmehelp]

The local primary school has the children doing all kinds of things for Children in Need, which is lovely.

One of them is that each class has a picture/poster of Pudsey and they're to bring in coins to make him spotty. The class which raises the most will get a prize, which I thought was a sweet idea and have sorted out a few small bags of change for my DC to take in next week.

This afternoon (4:30ish), 2 yr 6 boys have been knocking on door with a bucket asking for spare change to further their class' effort.

Now, I know their intentions are good, but really should they? For one don't you need a licence/ID of some sort to raise funds in this way, another they're knocking on strangers doors in the dark. I did tell them I wasn't sure they should be knocking on doors and did their parents know what they were doing, which apparently they do. Would you think that was OK for your DC?

They're using the school, name and giving the impression they've been sent by the school. Last year the same boys sold some old toys from their driveway and I know the funds did get to school, because they got a certificate in assembly etc. If this money is donated in the same way, they might get "rewarded" again, without the school, realising quite how it was achieved. What do you think? Lovely thing for them to do, or not really on?

I wouldn't let my child do it but I wouldn't judge someone else who would.

Maybe they've been told to only do the street or neighbours they sort of know?

You should probably have a word with the school, I don't think they'd be best pleased for all the reasons you've given.

My DC's school are doing the same thing with coins and a letter has come in asking children to take spare change in, etc. However, there is a line, in bold, asking children to NOT go round knocking on doors, etc. If you're concerned, maybe mention it to the school and they will probably bring it up in assembly.

Ring the school and give them a heads up as to what the children are doing. In my school it would be a subject to cover in assembly, with advice on what is and isn't appropriate in fundraising.

Don't think so Laurie, they don't live that near here and have also been to my mum's and my eldery neighbours.

Are they doing anything wrong?

Knocking on a door and asking for spare change is enterprising imo

If you report them you may just squash the spirit they have

YANBU. I'd contact the school and raise your concerns with them.

www.met.police.uk/charities/housetohouse.htm

you need a licence to do door to door collection

I don't know if they're doing anything wrong Creamola, that's why I'm asking.

Even if they are, I'm not sure what's be be achived by reporting them, it's done now, but maybe could keep them/other safe for next time.

I was about to second that to collect cash (especially without a registered charity number) you need a licence.

Plus it just isn't upstanding good behaviour is it? It's unsafe, and to be truthful, a bit uncouth.