I want my tenner back...

[BoundaryGirl3939]

A very small 1st world problem to some people but its getting under my skin.

I run an afterschool club with another teacher. We have a cooperative relationship generally and have worked together for about a year and a half.

I've bought quite a few bits and prices for the club...stationary and chocolate prizes. She has never bought prizes or has never given me money for the purchases I have made. Thats fine.

We had our first little party last Christmas. I bought goodies for the children (crisps etc). She said she would Revolut me half but she never did.

She then bought overly expensive treats in a overpriced shop for the next party (at summer). I sent her half the price immediately.

We said we would have another party this Christmas week. No one bought the goods so last night I knew if I didnt get them for today it wouldnt happen.

So I spent 20 on treats, sent her the receipt and she said she'd pay half. Nothing came in last night.

Had the party today. She was there with phone in her hand watching me distribute the goods. She said thanks and she'd Revolut me.

She still hasn't.

I feel petty chasing someone over a tenner but its the principle. I'm noticing a pattern with her. I don't want to appear petty but I've asked twice. If she doesn't send it this week, its hard to ask for it again. Its a small thing but feeling resentful.

These people's personalities get on my nerves.

Buy a jumper with 'You owe me a tenner' on it. Then go and stand in front of her.

If you knew her personality, you'd know that this isnt the issue.

She buys her own class treats regularly. I would say she initiated the culture.

Thats another story though.

Because that's teaching for you! If you want to do nice things for the kids you have to pay for it yourself. Schools have no money for fun.

🤣🤣🤣

She elected to pay for the summer party and was reimbursed by OP.

Yeah that's what we do or they all send in £1

Well then tough isn't it the kids go without or are asked for a small contribution. Some Teachers choose to spend their own and other don't want to / can't afford to.

Maybe she has had enough of paying for parties or being dictated to by the OP. Who knows just seems that there is a huge expectation that this woman keeps shelling out her own cash and maybe she cannot afford to or simply doesn't want to.

Maybe she’s sent the money to the wrong person? Check with her she has the correct details.

Are we reading the same thread @TangoWhiskeyAlphaTango123? Both teachers, of their own volition, decided to buy treats. OP reimbursed for the summer party but has not been reimbursed for that at Christmas - which is unfair.

The uk isn’t a first world country

I am 100% not dictating. I am happy to roll with whatever.

I asked her casually if she would like to have another party again this week before holidays. She said 'yes, thats a great idea'. There was ZERO pressure. It was an idea.

She is not stuck for cash. She spent 40 on treats before the summer. This shocked me. I had to reimburse half.

She went into a local expensive shop and bought preminium branded crisps, chocolate and biscuits which all added up. She's not stuck for cash.

Yes, this, I never would have paid for half the stuff when she still hadn't reimbursed you. I would have approached it directly too and said "I paid last time, you can pay this time". You're a pushover if you gave her half even though she hadn't paid you, and she realises this and will always do it.

I work with a couple of people like that. Cheeky feckers who never give to collections but manage to sneak their name on the card so the recipient thinks they put in for the collection. Always seem to have the money to spend on nights out and fancy make up though. It's the same people who don't wash up their own plate and mug in the staffroom, just dump it in the sink and expect someone else to do it.

Selfish behaviour and they won't ever change because no-one has ever pulled them up on it.

Incidentally I would be asking the school for money towards a little end of term party. Don't get into bad habit of buying stuff out your own pocket. I know it goes on, but it's getting worse every year. Soon we'll be paying parents to send their kids to school.....

Yep, when mine were little about 16 years ago for things like end of term party the teacher asked parents to bring in certain items for the class. Just a bit of party food. I remember that's how it used to be when I was at school too. Teachers should not be paying for this stuff out of their own pocket if there's no money in school funds for it.

Thank you. I won't be purchasing goodies again if she doesn't reimburse this time.

I know what you mean about the staff who leave their mess behind. It's is so selfish and rude.

I will ask her again tomorrow. After that, no more purchases. I've learnt my lesson.

Why does having parties mean having to buy treats? What kind of after school club is it?
I am kind of on her side here, as doing this twice a year (Christmas and summer) soon adds up and neither one of you should be expected to foot this cost. Sounds like she is already being generous paying for treats for her class (which already neither of you should have to do) and this is just another burden.
If it is a paid childcare provision, then the money from that should be used to contribute to whatever is required (the same way cereal and milk are bought for breakfast club). If it is a free club you run then I would rethink. I recall when mine were in reception they did a party in class and everyone signed up to bring in party food. Maybe you need to do that in the future.

Normally i dont bother but you're a teacher?? Stationery not stationary.

YANBU. Hope the parents appreciate that you pay for treats for their children too!

I see the mistake I made - it's late at night and I'm tired...'stationery’. Forgive me!😅

Or just wait a few days and say ‘oh I didn’t get your payment but that’s ok you can just do the next one’ screenshot it in case and stick to it

‘Hi X, please could you send me the money for the party? You also still owe me from last year FYI’

Nothing shameful about getting what you’re owed. She should be embarrassed

I would definitely find a way where she has to pay beforehand.

She may not be being malicious, she may just have a lot on at home and forgets as soon as she leaves work.

From now on it makes sense to pay for one party at a time to the budget you want. She can pay for the next party.

Is this effectively a business that you and the other teacher are running? if so, why on earth don't you just put all the costs of the parties, including treats, down as running expenses of the business and make sure that both of you are fully reimbursed that way. That will carry the advantage that you can set this expense off against tax, too.