Parents say theme park trip unfair (From Hereford Times)

Parents say theme park trip unfair

7:30am Tuesday 7th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

KINGSTONE High School school has been accused of discrimination in a bid to improve attendance.

School pupils with perfect attendance will enjoy a free trip to Alton Towers this month.

But it’s been a rollercoaster for some parents, who believe their children could miss out for being unwell.

Sarah Jones, of Clehonger, accused the school of discrimination after her three children missed a handful of days. Pupils with 100 per cent can take a friend rated 95 per cent or above, while tutors could choose students with exceptional cases.

Ms Jones’ 13-year-old daughter, Emma, had a 96.5 per cent attendance, while Jonathan, 15, and Benjamin, 16, had 95.1 and 94.7. The latter, an asthma sufferer, has been offered a place with his siblings, but Ms Jones thinks it’s out of pity. She said: “I feel it’s just to shut me up. Ben has to miss a couple of days each term because he can’t breathe.

“I think it’s unfair to anyone who’s been ill, or has missed days through funerals or accidents.”

Parent Wendy Watkins, said it meant her three children were reluctant to admit to illness – including one incident when her daughter had broken her leg – and insisted on going in when ill.

The school year lasts 190 days, so a 95 per cent attendance rate means 10 missed days. Chris King, headteacher, said the ploy improved attendance and could mean better GCSE results.

“Perfect pupil” numbers have risen by 700 per cent, while the scheme accounts for serious illness. Mr King said: “I know some parents are unhappy about it but from our point of view it’s had a really positive impact.

• Print
• Email
• Share