Doncaster mum goes viral after attack on school reward schemes
She says the schemes punish other pupils
A Doncaster mum has gone viral after attacking school attendance reward schemes - and setting up a petition calling for changes.
Danielle Hand took to Facebook after hearing that youngsters at her children’s primary school - which she has not named - were treated to hot chocolates and cakes for hitting attendance targets - while other pupils missed out.
The mum of three has take her complaints about the schemes to the school as well as her MP and education watchdog Ofsted.
She said:”My children’s primary school recently rewarded pupils who met attendance percentage targets with hot chocolates, cakes and other treats during school time, leaving other children excluded from those rewards.
“My concern is that authorised absences, including illness and medical appointments, can still reduce a child’s attendance percentage.
“I believe children shouldn’t be made to feel excluded or less deserving because of circumstances outside their control.
“I shared my concerns on social media, and the response has been overwhelming.
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“My videos have reached hundreds of thousands of people, with parents from different areas coming forward to share similar experiences.
“Our aim is to push for fairer policies nationally so that children aren’t disadvantaged or excluded from rewards because of genuine illness, medical appointments or other authorised absences.”
She added: “I want to make it clear that I’m not against encouraging good school attendance.
“I’m against reward systems that can disadvantage children who have legitimate reasons for being absent.”
“Rewarding good attendance is one thing, but excluding little children in front of their classmates is another.
“Imagine being 5, 6 or 7 years old, watching your friends enjoy hot chocolate and cake while you’re left out because you were genuinely ill.
“We’re supposed to be teaching children kindness, inclusion and compassion, not making them feel less deserving because their attendance isn’t perfect.”