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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not want school to keep sending details of expensive clubs home with my children ?

21 replies

nutcracker · 24/01/2008 18:12

Since they went back after xmas we have had four occasions where all 3 children have been sent home with leaflets for out of school activities

So far we have had one for Stagecoach, one for the sports version of stagecoach, martial arts one and today one for Razzamataz theatre schools.

It really really pisses me off to be honest.

Stagecoach and Razzamatz are both things that both of my dd's would love to go, but they are mega expensive (£180 a term for the latter one).

Obviously, the kids don't realise this and come out of school all happy, waving their leaflet around and then have a strop when I say it is too expensive.

I don't see why the school have to give these leaflets to the children at all. Surley they could leave them in the office reception and they would be seen then by most parents at some point, and anyway, anyone interested in this type of thing will find out what is available in the area anyway.

OP posts:
hippipotami · 24/01/2008 18:18

nutcracker I agree. Unfortunately the marketeers have to grab an audience where they can.
This week so far we have had afterschool clubs run by the leisure centre (£10 per session), a football coaching thing (not sure about costs but ds does not 'do' football), a leaflet for an arts course, and a leaflet for a martial arts club.

If my dc were interested in any of the above, I would have made my own enquiries.

Incidentally, my ds loves drama and acting, and like you Stagecoach, Perform and Razzmataz are not within the budget.
So he goes to a Youth Theatre group run by our local council. I had to pay £150 for the year, but there are concessions/reductions available for those who need it. Ds absolutely loves it! Check it out

cluckyagain · 24/01/2008 18:20

I would have a word with the head - our's would be very concerned to hear a point of view such as yours, just as they should.

nametaken · 24/01/2008 18:21

YABU - One of the things we have to teach our dcs is that there will always be some people who have more than them and some people who have less.

I have 3 dcs who would love to go to Stagecoach but I can't afford it and I just say so - they have to accept it. Just remind them of all the things they have got/do and focus on that rather than on the things they don't have/do.

Original poster
nutcracker · 24/01/2008 18:23

Unfortunatly I don't think the head would get it tbh. She is quite stuck up imo and I doubt she would see the problem.

I have been looking for something as you describe for ages Hippi, but there is absolutly nothing like that around here at all.

OP posts:
Original poster
nutcracker · 24/01/2008 18:25

Oh believe me, my children know all to well that they often can't have things, and that they should be grateful for what they do have and do etc.

I do not begrudge anyones child going to these types of things. If the parents can afford to send them then thats great.

It is having it shoved down my kids throats that I object to.

OP posts:
charliecat · 24/01/2008 18:26

My kids come in and put these straight in the recycling nutty. They know they wont be going to them too. I think the school MUST get paid for them to be in the book bags?

southeastastra · 24/01/2008 18:26

it's up to the head, complain to her! does seem unfair (and i run an a/s club). i'd never force my leaflets onto an entire school. i just leave them in reception.

Original poster
nutcracker · 24/01/2008 18:36

I think they must get paid for giving them out yes. It is always expensive clubs, never resonable price range ones.

TBH I think even if they were cheapy clubs, they still shouldn't be giving them to the kids themselves.

The kids always end up dissapointed and I always end up feeling mean.

OP posts:
HonoriaGlossop · 24/01/2008 19:35

it says on your profile that you are in Birmingham area nutty is that still the case? Because spookily enough a friend who works at our local council is moving back to Birmingham where she grew up and she has been looking to set up things exactly like this for her kids, ( I don't think they are that keen on moving and she's trying to sweeten the pill!) I was only talking to her about it today, and she said on the Birmingham.gov.uk website there are loads of youth theatre groups and one actually advertises that they subsidise costs for families who need it. Dunno if that would help you.

But anyway, all that aside I totally agree with you, my ds has loads of these adverts stuffed in his book bag!

tiredAli · 24/01/2008 19:51

Schools give them out because not all parents go to the trouble or even have the time to find out about what clubs are on offer around them. Someone there genuinely believes they are useful (and no IME, schools don't get paid or a commision for giving out leaflets). Those clubs may be expensive but the school are right to promote those sorts of activities as it's difficult for some parents (and some schools) to cater for the needs of children who excel in sports or drama. And not all parents have the opportunity to come into school to pick leaflets up.

Original poster
nutcracker · 24/01/2008 19:54

I am in Brum yep, but without sounding snotty I am in what is considered to be an affluent part of it so I doubt if the group will be anywhere near me. They always seem to be in the city centre or the other side of the city.

I will definatly go and have another look though.

OP posts:
hatwoman · 24/01/2008 19:54

dds came home the other day with a leaflet for some rosemary conlan or whatever she's called diet. (for adults not kids) now that really did piss me off.

Chequers · 24/01/2008 20:12

Message withdrawn

idlingabout · 24/01/2008 20:44

We have a noticeboard outside (primary) school and any stagecoach/'significant cost' leaflets are displayed on it rather than being handed out. We get leaflets in the book bags for free things like fun-days etc. Perhaps your school could do this?

islandofsodor · 26/01/2008 22:42

The schools are not paid for giving them out. Most are happy to.

RememberWhen07 · 10/11/2022 19:36

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines - previously banned poster.

PurpleButterflyWings · 10/11/2022 19:38

It's when I read threads like this, I thank God I have no school age children anymore.

Not helpful sorry OP - but I DO get you. And YANBU. Flowers

PurpleButterflyWings · 10/11/2022 19:38

Oh fuck! ZOMBIE!

CloudybutMild · 10/11/2022 19:39

You are being unreasonable, it’s a good way for parents to find out about these things. You want other people’s children to miss out because you cannot afford what their parents can.

CloudybutMild · 10/11/2022 19:39

Shit, fell for a zombie thread again. Sorry.

Maray1967 · 10/11/2022 19:46

We had one for a tutoring company and you were asked to return the slip to say yes or no. School were cagey about why we had to return the slip - it was clearly because they were being paid and they needed them back. Reminders were sent to ask for ‘no’ responses back - why else would they ask for this?
I agree with OP - school staff could be more considerate of the impact that this type of thing has on many families. They could send a text out saying there are leaflets about x in reception if you’re interested.

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