Teacher gift collection

[Purpleturtle45]

Every year I organise a collection at Christmas and Summer for my kids teachers and usually buy vouchers for somewhere nice. I always make it very clear that any amount is welcome and of course only donate if you want to. Some parents might want to do their own thing, or nothing which is their decision.

Most parents are very grateful for this as it gives them one less thing to do and they probably get away with donating less for a joint present than they would trying buy something themselves for £5-£10.

It has come to my attention though that some local authorities are banning this due to cost of living and parents potentially feeling under pressure do donate. Wondering people's thoughts on this? I think people should be allowed to make their own choices on this and think a ban would be very unreasonable.

YANBU- Collections are fine as long as there is no pressure/set amount

YABU- Collections should be banned

The 100k+ members of a leave teaching Facebook group (that's about a quarter of current teachers) are not finding the loss of holiday time some kind of impediment to leaving the profession.

You should speak to your child's headteacher. How many adults put in front of classes on a daily basis are qualified? I think many parents would.be shocked at an honest response.

Is this actually a thing though? Do you have proof? The LA has no where near the amount of authority that it once used to over LA schools and none over private/accademies.

No, I don’t think so. Unless the OP has linked to something that I’ve missed.

DS is in reception and a very low key collection was organised. There was absolutely no pressure and the mum who organised it was lovely. It was so much easier than getting lots of separate gifts.

I'm also a primary teacher and often get vouchers and I would never treat children differently because I didn't get a gift from their family nor would anyone I work with.

*I'm also a primary teacher and often get vouchers and I would never treat children differently because I didn't get a gift from their family nor would anyone I work with.^

Have you ever spoken to your colleagues and mgt. to discuss asking parents not to do this and/or telling parents it is inappropriate to tip you?

I'm not a fan but then I didn't grow up with this being a thing at my school. The watsapp groups do put pressure on people, even if it's unintended as do the reminders.

I remember writing a letter and giving a bunch of flowers to one of my primary school teachers when she retired.

Should you even be on that group if you’re not a teacher?

If you are a teacher do you think it’s appropriate to be tipped?

The worst I've had is when the office staff let the parents in during the school day so the parents can present the gift in front of the children. I've had it where the children who have donated have all made a picture for a class book and the poor little children who didn't contribute get upset and dont understand why they weren't included.
When that has happened, I let them add their names to the card and add one of their pictures to the book.

It's very thoughtful when parents are generous but please please don't allow those who can't afford to contribute feel bad.

Also, I secured a new job out of teaching this week. Lower pay, much less annual leave but means I can afford to go on holiday at cheaper times of the year, and a greater work/life balance. I can't wait to leave!

I agree. The same people always did it for Xmas and end of year in my son’s class and they’d ask for a set amount, for that reason only I opted out on principle. £15 each. Which to some is a lot. It also pissed me off that they got the kids to do a little message and picture for the card and went on and on about it in the WhatsApp so anyone not doing it was left out.

I always give a card and sometimes some chocs and put a personal thank you in about why the teacher has helped my dc.

One year a parent posted in the WhatsApp the parent’s name and the amount they’d put in, naming and shaking someone who had accidentally put the “wrong” amount in.

I know my previous post compared it to one, but the people calling it a “tip” are being crass. It’s not a teacher tip, its a gift to show thanks and gratitude for caring for and educating your small child every day (usually under difficult circumstances)

Ha. Hilarious. Hedge your bets.

I am a teacher. One of the thousands seeking an exit. And I should add, a damned good teacher in a shortage subject. There is no way I will be easily replaced, if at all. Two excellent schools local to me failed to recruit last academic year in my subject. It is a worrying trend.

Children giving a small gift to a teacher to show their appreciation is hardly a tip. It doesn’t improve the service, likewise the anticipation of a gift won’t change the attitude of a teacher towards the children they are working with. What do you suggest, that children who wish to express their appreciation with a gift have it returned to them? Or are told not to gift at all? I mean I think in the current climate, many teachers would prefer a blanket ‘no gift’ policy but the understanding of that for individual children might be difficult. And unfortunately not every child has the means with which to make a card at home either.

Yes I already knew that teachers are the most prolific posters on MN. Busy much?

I find it in bad taste for teachers to post on this thread advocating class collections.

Yes I already knew that teachers are the most prolific posters on MN. Busy much?

I finished for Xmas last week. Do I need your permission to post on mumsnet now?

I find it in bad taste for teachers to post on this thread advocating class collections

Of course you do. How dare we have opinions about things which affect us. And how dare we point out the flaws in arguments when yet again, it is something which affects us.