Is this appropriate to gift to a teacher?

[EvianEvianne]

My DC has special needs and goes to a special needs school for children with autism. His teacher is the absolute bees knees and really puts her heart and soul into her work, to say she goes above and beyond is an understatement. She's neurodiverse herself and is a complete asset to that school.

I'd like to buy her something special to show our appreciation, and something for her to remember DS by (they built a wonderful relationship. He thinks the world of her, and vice versa)

I'm thinking of getting her a Pandora bracelet and a couple of meaningful charms, one for autism, one symbolising teacher etc.

She does like and wear jewellery.

It's less 'formal' than mainstream schools so it doesn't feel inappropriate to me but I'm wondering what others think?

How thoughtful! What a lovely gift. I'm so glad that your son is doing well 😊.

It’s a lovely idea but that’s a very expensive gift to receive from one family.
i would feel a bit uncomfortable getting so much from one student in my class.
Is there anyone else who would go in with you?

I'm a teacher although in the mainstream sector. A present of jewellery would make me feel uncomfortable because it's too much although I realise that the relationship that you will have with her will be different from the one I have with my class and their parents.

To me, a present is about the child and them being excited about it.

We can only accept token gifts. Anything of value has to be declared and returned .So altough lovely idea check school policy on gifts.

Absolutely not OK. Far too valuable. Not appropriate.

A Pandora charm maybe, but not the whole shebang.

That's very expensive! (And might break school policy on gifts receiving)

A handmade card by your DC, a gift card and some chocolate is fine

She might not like Pandora stuff so would never use it, in which case it would be a waste. They're a bit naff nowadays arent they?

I'd love it! I work in am sen school and you're right the relationships are very different and we generally are less formal.
I'd check with the school about gifts and the monetary value but otherwise go for it.

Thanks for your perspectives! It didn't occur to me that there might be a policy about what the teachers are allowed to receive. I'll definitely look into that and bare in mind what has been said here.

Are they? 😂

What's all the rage now then?

These bracelets are pretty marmite and I personally hate them. It would be money down the drain.

It’s a lovely gift as long as you can afford it.

I used to work in a private school in central London where Teachers were gifted a weeks use of a private jet and the family’s holiday home in the Bahamas.

My own children give their Teachers a home made card and a bottle of wine.

It all relative.

Wow where do I sign 🤣

At our school we tend to go in as a class and get the teachers vouchers to things like M&S, a spa, afternoon tea etc and then stuff like flowers on top.

I think it would be ok if it came from a few people?

Ah thank you that's really good to hear!

It's so different to mainstream for sure.

You don't really get to know MS teachers in the same way do you? A hello, good morning etc and 10-15 minutes chatting on parents evening with a lot of emphasis being on remaining professional (which I totally get, it has to be that way)

With DS school, we have contact atleast 2-3 days a week, sometimes on the phone for 30-40 minutes chatting away (because we both have ADHD and go off on tangents 😂)

She feels like a family friend now than 'just' a teacher 🙂

That is absolutely lovely.

I bought DD 1:1 a necklace at the end of their time together...DD chose it.
It was warmly received. I think the bond is so much closer for our SN kiddies

Check the school policy and if it’s OK to spend that amount of money, have a look at other jewellery websites. Not on the High Street have jewellery that can be personalised.

I emailed her to check, just had a response and she said there's no specific policy 🙂

Honestly, a genuine, heartfelt card is the best present any teach can receive (and we keep them forever).