Patronising Teacher Association
BACKLASH AS SCHOOL OFFERS PARENTS ‘PRIVILEGES’ TO VOLUNTEER – INCLUDING ‘VIP’ SEATS AT ASSEMBLY
A BACKLASH has led to primary school bosses scrapping a PTA system with ‘privileges’ – including free drinks and ‘VIP’ assembly seats – for parents who volunteer the most time.
A letter detailing the new Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) structure was sent to parents of children at Heyes Lane Primary School in Timperley, near Altrincham.
The school has now axed the scheme after some parents described the letter as ‘patronising.’
The headteacher has apologised for any upset caused and said the school was merely trying to get more people involved in volunteering.
Free tickets to school events, ‘VIP seats’ at assemblies and events, and free school photographs were just some of the rewards suggested to encourage more parents get involved with PTA activities.
The system was divided into four tiers, with ‘Tier 1’ being the highest.
That level was for PTA committee members such as co-chairs, treasurer, a social media coordinator and minutetakers. Their incentives included a free class photo as well as complimentary drinks and free entry to school events.
At the other end of the scale, ‘Tier 4’ was for parents who attend events with their families.
Their incentive was described as ‘the pleasure of seeing your children enjoy the extra provision provided by the PTA.’ Some parents said the reward system was unfair on those who have to work or don’t have time to volunteer.
One mum, who asked not to be named, said: “I feel for the parents who work and cannot take time off to be part of the PTA, who don’t have holidays or free evenings.
“It’s not fair on single parents, or those who have children they can’t leave in the evening. It’s penalising people. Most of the people on the PTA are stay-at-home mums who don’t work. What’s it teaching children? That you should only do something good to get a reward? That’s not real life.”
A second letter was sent out to parents on Thursday apologising for any offence caused.
Sam Foord, head of Heyes Lane, wrote: “I am writing to you to respond to the feedback from parents and carers regarding the flyer sent out yesterday about our PTA recruitment drive.
“I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for any offence caused and to assure you that following your feedback, we will not be introducing this idea. The last thing I wanted to happen is to upset or offend any part of our wonderful school community.
“The motivation behind the flyer was simply to drum up more volunteers and I thought the incentives were a way for the school to show its appreciation for parents and carers who volunteer to help.”
The school declined to comment further when contacted by the M.E.N.