With Christmas fast approaching I know that we are all more mindful than ever of the effects of poverty on the lives of many of the families we work with.

A parent has brought to my attention the pressure she feels from well-meaning fellow parents looking for cash contributions to gifts for her three children’s class teachers.

Last year the BBC ran a feature about this practice with the simple message that thank you is enough. You may wish to share this message with your own parent body to reassure those who cannot afford to provide a gift to a teacher and who may then not allow their child to attend school at the end of term to cover up any embarrassment.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46580014

If you are sharing this message, please reassure parents that there is no ban on bringing gifts to teachers, but that a home-made present or a small token is appreciated just as much.

Wishing you all the best this festive season.

Mrs Wright

Head Teacher