to think children shouldn't be punished for being poorly?

[mumnosbest]

Only children with 100% attendence are allowed to the school Halloween party. DS has a recurrent illness (every 3 months or so). He had 1 day off this term, after his teacher said he was struggling and needed a day to rest up, then he was up all that night and I agreed with her. DS wanted to go to school but was in no fit state and now blames me that he can't go to the party :(

I knowthere is an issue with poor attendence at the school and you can't have 1 rule for 1 and another for others but... Maybe 99% would be fairer as surely a lot of DCs miss 1 day through genuine illness. If this rewarding attendence is going to be a half-termly event DS will probably miss out on half of them as he will be ill again in about 3 months! (FingersX it's on a weekend).

AIBU (I am feeling very U and ranty this morning)?

I managed to find that story in the Dm Mary - incredible. From 2010. The head teacher was justifying it by saying it was part of a programme of activities. A programme which systematically excludes the bereaved and sick. Nice!
I am really surprised that this has made its way into the press a number of times yet seems to be continuing, and indeed growing in popularity if my google search is anything to go by.

I just don't understand how a teacher, who one would hope would go into teaching to shape the minds of the future could be so cruel and short sighted. It makes me think that these head teachers don't have the necessary skills for the job.

They are either scared of not hitting targets or they are unfeeling bastards to be frank.

And why are the other teachers in the school not standing up for the poor children that they teach?

Slippery - I think maybe when you are so absorbed in these kind of goals and objectives, you begin to see achieving them as an end in itself and stop questioning the validity of those objectives and supporting policies. I think the Op, who is a teacher herself noted that being on leave for a while has given her a different perspective and allowed her to see the situation more clearly.

Yes I see what your saying Jossy. It happens all over the place with targets.

It reinforces the idea in my mind that it is up to the parents to apply pressure to schools to keep them in line with reasonable behaviour.

DD is currently flat out on the sofa with a fever - the second day of a nasty virus. I would be LIVID if this meant she wasn't allowed to attend a party.

I am going to pop an email to my Lea and ask them if they have a policy written or unwritten on these matters. Slippery - you'd still hope someone would try and point out the unfairness I agree.

I am also amazed Jossy that this has been going on for some years and it's getting more popular.

Parents must be a bit brainwashed into just accepting school policy and are too scared that there will be negative come back for their children if they make waves.

I think the problem is that the people whose children get the rewards don't really think it's an issue.

And those who don't are looked on as whingers if they complain.

What needs to happen if for some parents (and children) to stand up and refuse to take a reward that is intrinsically unfair to others. I don't know whether that will ever happen though.

mumnosbest did the head ever get back to your letter?

Amazed and cross at these stories. I certainly won't be sending DS if they repeat this treat even if by some miracle he acheives 100% I think there are a few other parents who would join me too.

No slippery not a dickie bird! You won't be surprised to hear that communication and parental involvement was also an issue picked up on by ofsted. She certainly leads by example! I'm back at work soon so hope to make some changes from within. Staff meetings could become interesting and she must know there will be a bit of tension if she doesn't reply soon.

Oh and ofsted are due back soon so I'm looking forward to the parents questionnaire

I'm a late joiner to the thread but like many others I have a 5 yo DD with an incurable chronic health problem and even if she was completely 'healthy' all year she would never achieve 100% attendence due to her regular hospital check ups.

I would be marching straight to DD's headteacher quoting the Disability Discrimination Act if she ever tried to pull a stunt like this. Fortunately, she is far more accepting of people with health problems.

I try to bring DD up as much as possible that there will be no barriers to what she can achieve so to be in your shoes and be told she can't even go to a party stinks.

I will be watching how things progress and I wish you luck with getting your HT to see sense

I'm praying for my DD to get 100% attendance in a school that does this, just so we can boycott it.
at punishing a child for being sick!

nothing wrong with rewarding, but 100% is insane (I think saying maybe no more than 1 sick day a term would be more realistic)
and rewarding rather than punishing, by giving them a non-school-related treat. or a certificate.
taking kids out of school time and punishing the others is wrong on so many levels.

I think the whole idea of giving prizes for being well is just so odd. Is it naughty to be ill for fucks sake.

If there has to be some sort of attendance prize (and I strongly think not) then at least it should be by class.

Anyway back to the very important point that at primary age none of this is within the control of the child.

well half term hols start tomorrow and still no reply. great pr skills . just wondering whether to follow it up and how. i went in to discuss return to work stuff and was going to mention it but she'd gone home sick no xmas party for her, lazy skiver

Has there been any reply Op now you are back after half term?