School's bouncy castle ban for children with poor attendance

A row has broken out among parents and teachers at Fairholme Primary School over a reward for children's attendance.

A group of angry parents of children at the school on Peacock Avenue in Bedfont, have been brewing over the reward scheme which introduced 20 minutes playtime on a bouncy castle and branded it a "discrimination", against those who did not reach the 95 per cent attendance target, days before school was out.

While dozens of mothers were outraged, many more have come out in support of the headteacher and said they were appalled by the new Facebook page Protest Against Fairholme School.

The reward for the school year from September 4, 2013 to June 27, 2014, was suggested by the school's council which is made up of pupils.

Erin Tims, 27, of Sandy Drive in Feltham, who is just one of many furious parents who think the attitude is "care free" and "disgusting", after her six-year-old daughter missed out on the reward despite a glowing report, said: "Children get stomach bugs and need two days off to recover, or with scarlet fever more.

"How can you punish kids like this?

"My daughter's report was amazing and other children received amazing reports and comments yet because they have been unwell they cant take part!

"illness can not be helped. I work in a hospital I can't help bringing sickness home.

"It's not the right way to praise children.

"The problem is the kids who improved in their studies get nothing.

"All kids should be praised on their progress, punctuality, appearance, homework and meeting targets."

Another mum was shocked the school had decided only parents of those children who achieved the reward needed to know about it through a letter, with many children finding out through friends at school.

Zoe Robinson, who started the Facebook page and is mum to Jake almost aged five, said: "At the start of the term we got told children with good attendance would get a reward - we thought it would be a certificate or something subtle.

"Other parents told us about the bouncy castle so some of us went into the school and complained to the head.

"It made my son feel like he had something wrong. It upset him.

There has been an uproar due to a decision the assistant head teacher (Miss Coleman) had made to "reward" children at the school due to their attendance with a bouncy castle on Thursday (17) afternoon.

"I asked if there was another way that children with good attendance could be rewarded but she said it wouldn't be implemented till next year!

"This was discrimination and torment towards children as young as four-years-old."

The 95 per cent attendance - roughly 10 days absence - is the national target set by Ofsted for schools to achieve.

In the last three years the school has improved its attendance record after introducing an ongoing reward scheme which runs throughout the year.

For example, each week in assembly a class is recognised for good attendance with extra playtime or computer time; during the spring term the children earn a token for everyday they are in school and on time which can be spent in the attendance shop; and badges and certificates are presented too.

Many parents have also been in touch in support of the school and the scheme.

Ivie Otenaike, who is in her 30s, from Feltham, and has two children who attend the school, added: "I am quite shocked at what's happening.

"Some parents haven't agreed with the rewards and some parents are very happy with Fairholme school and the teachers.

"The bouncy castle option was put forward by the school council - who are the children themselves.

"I think it was a good reward for students who have achieved the target.

"Other suggestions were Chessington and Legoland."

Asma Bawa, 44, of Bedfont, who has one child that goes to the school and reached the target attendance, added: "I am really annoyed as I don't think there is anything wrong with the attendance scheme.

"My child has got a good attitude of 'I need to go school'.

"I am happy with Fairholme and my daughter's progress at the school."

Headteacher Miss Helen Willis said parents have been kept informed of the scheme throughout the year, with regular communication through school newsletters.

She added: “We asked the school council – made up of children throughout the school – how we should reward children who have achieved the target of 95 per cent attendance for the whole year, and they came back with a list of suggestions such as trips to Legoland, Chessington etc, but their suggestion of a bouncy castle was deemed the most suitable.

“No child was upset not to take part on the day of the reward – they were enjoying end of term activities in class, whilst those who achieved the target had 20 minutes on the bouncy castle.

“Senior members of staff were available to speak to the handful of parents who had concerns about the scheme, and behaved professionally in the face of some inappropriate language and behaviour, which we do not tolerate from either children or parents.”

Medals for pupils who have not missed a day of school at Crane Park Primary School .

Edward Pauling School rewards three pupils with 100 per cent attendance each term with bikes.