To give a great Y2 teacher and assistant and end of term bottle of wine/chocs...

[carocaro]

....for getting all children through SATS in a positive, relaxed, brilliant way?

I just mentioned this to a couple of parents in the playground, not for everyone to do it/chip in, just as a personal thought and was a bit shocked at replies:-

"they are only doing job, why should they get anything from us?" type of thing

I say this as both of them have been fantastic with all the children, above and beyond iykwim and an acknowledgement of this and a thanks from parents would be greatfully received I am sure. Especially as I think they deserve it and definately not because I think teachers should just get presents no matter what.

I always give them a present, even if they're a bit rubbish (just soapy stuff in that case, strict present hierarchy).

Me too. I think they have a tough job and I wouldn't want to do it so a little thank you makes them feel better and maybe try a bit harder than they need to.

At least it is sensible in state schools, have done privates in the past and the present giving gets a bit competitive - yuk .

Working as a TA I can say the pay is crap but it's the little things that make the job so rewarding make up for that.
Plus I think as a parent we are sometimes so unaware of how hard teacher really work. Having now work with in my dd school I have a far better respect for all the teachers.
So yes teachers and ta's deserve a pat on the back somtimes and remember it's the thought that counts.

I bought ds1's teacher a bottle of vodka on Fri! The mixer one for £2.99! She was soooo chuffed but she has been so stressed out I thought she deserved it.

I did it privately tho and didnt tell anyone!

I think it's a lovely idea. As a teacher, however, the things I genuinely treasure and the notes from parents telling me that I've done a good job,and how much their child has benefitted from being in my class. I've kept all the really positive ones I received for the last 12 years.

Yes, of course we're paid for doing it, but anyone likes to be thanked in some way for putting in extra effort. In some industries you get paid overtime, in others, you get time off in lieu, in others you are part of a bonus scheme. None of these are available to teachers, so a simple "thank you" is always appreciated. If it's accompanied by a bottle of wine, or box of chocolates, then so much the better .