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AIBU?

To be furious about this, and should I report?

79 replies

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 16/12/2013 21:15

My job involves going into homes and sometimes schools.

Today the yr11's had to pay a pound to go to the show taking part in the afternoon (i believe its a talent show, some awards etc)

One lad in the group said he couldn't pay a pound. The teacher kept asking him why, and said have you got a pound?

He said yes, but it's for his dinner tomorrow.

Now it's pretty obvious the lad doesnt look well off, from his clothing etc.

Yet the teacher carried on in front of the whole class saying 'why cant you spare a pound. It's JUST a pound, stop being selfish' and kids in the class started joining in.

The boy looked so uncomfortable, it was heartbreaking. In the end he gave the pound.

Afterwards I had a word with the teacher, who still had the view that the boy was being selfish.

Was I unreasonable, and should I report it? Or would I be being silly?

OP posts:

Report

Gruntfuttock · 17/12/2013 20:16

Thank goodness you were there to witness this and do something about it. That poor boy.

Tapiocapearl · 17/12/2013 20:16

Well done!

Twoandtwomakeschaos · 17/12/2013 20:19

Hindsight or being out of the situation is a wonderful thing, Baubles. Glad you seem to have got some satidfaction from the Head. YY, the bullying/humiliation is an issue, but the lack of the £1 for food is also important particularly to a hungry teenager!!.

YoureBeingASillyBilly · 17/12/2013 20:19

Please report. This could be my boy in a few years if circumstances dont change and i know my best friends teen son only has money for lunch if she has anything spare. She's really struggling and it would break her heart to think of him being humiliated like that.

YoureBeingASillyBilly · 17/12/2013 20:21

Oops! I see you did. Well done OP.glad the head teacher is in agreement.

ladymariner · 17/12/2013 20:28

Well done Op, the teachers behaviour was completely unacceptable. You definitely did the right thing, and by doing so have hopefully made a big difference to the boys life in the future.

Ruffcat · 17/12/2013 20:41

Well done op, poor boy I remember when we were really poor and couldn't really afford ds's bus fare and stupidly gave him the trolley token instead of a pound coin. He felt very ashamed when the bus driver wouldn't accept it.

Tulip26 · 17/12/2013 20:44

That poor child. He'll remember this in years to come. It's not his fault.

Only £1 for lunch? That won't buy much for a hungry teenager and if he asks for more at home I doubt his parents would believe where it went.

There seem to be too many bullying teacher stories on here lately, it's upsetting to read.

ChampagneTastes · 17/12/2013 20:46

Well done OP.

FunkyBoldRibena · 17/12/2013 20:51

Why are they having to pay to get into a school show? That's outrageous in the first place.

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 17/12/2013 20:54

I did ask about that actually funky, the money doesn't go to charity or anything, those who don't pay sit in a room with the teacher

which I think is where the teacher's 'selfish' comments came from, she may have had to stay behind with him.

I 'd at that too.

OP posts:

FunkyBoldRibena · 17/12/2013 21:10

I think I might take that up with ofsted to be honest, how is that in any way meeting equality and diversity? I'm fuming on his behalf.

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 17/12/2013 21:12

Yes you're right, now I've sorted out the initial issue that one has become more apparent to me. I'll contact them. The school looks good on the service, suppose the cracks start to appear once you actually look...

OP posts:

LindyHemming · 17/12/2013 21:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 17/12/2013 21:18

Aww thankyou

and thankyou to everyone else to. I'd like to think anyone in my place would do the same

OP posts:

EvilTwins · 17/12/2013 21:19

I agree that the teacher's attitude was crap. However, I also think it's crap that, if the school are aware of the issue, they haven't already investigated eligibility for free school meals. Ofsted wouldn't give a shit, btw- not their remit.

MildDrPepperAddiction · 17/12/2013 21:20

Report it. She sounds awful. That poor boy.

MurderOfGoths · 17/12/2013 21:38

Well done OP

Springcleanish · 17/12/2013 21:47

I'd hope the teacher was fully aware of the pupils situation and acting on her knowledge. On non-uniform days we often only have a 60% pay rate, despite being a reasonably affluent middle class area. Why? Because the kids don't hand over the money and keep it for themselves. This is despite the efforts of teachers to promote the importance of charity and giving.
How do people know from outside of the situation that the boy was being humiliated or whether he was taking a chance?

winkywinkola · 17/12/2013 21:49

I would go for the jugular.

She assassinated his character. And in front of everyone.

Prize bitch.

EverythingIsTinselyBaubleyBoo · 17/12/2013 21:50

Oh my goodness Baubles I have only just seen this thread, my heart was in my mouth reading it, I'm so pleased you took it further and made the HT aware. for you

ButterflyJenn14 · 17/12/2013 21:52

Report it for sure. That's not on at all. Even if the boy had all the money in the world to be made to feel like tht by his teacher and class mates isn't on at all. Poor thing. I hope he is able to have his lunch tomorrow and tht he is able to move on from that awful situation!

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DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 17/12/2013 21:55

Not sure if you read the update spring

It was clear the boy wasn't well off. Like I said it's not the first time I've seen him, and have had to see him one to one, and his brother - as well as other children but can't go into that.

I saw his reaction, he was clearly humiliated and close to tears. From seeing him interact in school, or rather lack of interaction it does seem he is an outside anyway. So I'm not sure where the 'outside situation' comment comes from when I was there - and posters can only go off what I'm saying.

Head confirmed there is a situation.

Also the difference being this is not a affluent area. The school is based directly in the middle of 3, and I'm not sure how to put this, shall we say not very well off areas.

OP posts:

thecatfromjapan · 17/12/2013 22:00

Baubles.

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 17/12/2013 22:00

I'll sleep better knowing I've said something, I just feel this overwhelming protectiveness over the lad and I really should try not to.

Was horrible seeing him stand there, his trousers near his ankles, ripped blazer and no laces. Put on the spot, staring at the floor. It should be clear to anyone with a bit of compassion.

I'll keep my eye on the situation anyway, I doubt it'll happen again but I want to make sure he's getting support - I have a bit of leeway in a professional capacity to check on this so hopefully...

OP posts:

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