A parent has branded teachers at her child's primary school "sadistic" after claiming they had set targets for attendance.
As part of this, she says the teachers give out prizes to those who have 100 percent attendance, which include chocolate and other treats.
While this is nice for those who win, it's left the unnamed mum feeling "really annoyed" as she believes this is "shaming" the other children who have been sick through no fault of their own.
Writing on Netmums, the woman titled the post writing: "Sadistic teachers".
She continued: "I'm starting to get really annoyed, my girl, age 6, her school headmistress is big on attendance but she sets targets and every month the teachers give out prizes in class to kids well done you 100% attendance.
Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here.
"All you others who were ill and had a day off noooo, no chocolate and pressie for you!
"Hello excuse me? Ok next time my kid is throwing up ill bring her in? So she does not feel cast aside and shamed for being ill!!!"
Dozens of people responded to the mum's post, with many sharing their thoughts - some pointed out how schools have always given out prizes for various reasons and that attendance is an important factor for Ofsted.
One person replied: "Attendance is a focus for Ofsted and promoting incentives/rewards for schools to reach their targets. This falls under safeguarding. Perhaps speak to the Head about having a tiered approach for 100% and 99%?"
Another said: "There has always been prizes handed out in schools for many different things. Easter competitions, winners at dress-up days, behaviour points, sports days... the list goes on. Attendance is not just monitored annually so hopefully, she will get a prize next time. It works two-fold for the school. If attendance levels are low for the school then they face consequences so by offering prizes the kids that may not be quite that ill will be encouraged to go in. Obviously, your little one was too poorly to go in but why not encourage her in other competitions that reward effort and things she's good at."
A third commented: "This isn’t a new thing. I only got it once and I’m still proud! It helps the kids (like my eldest) who prefers to stay off for every small cold rather than go to school. I would say it’s a positive rather than a negative thing."
However, some fellow parents did agree with the mum's point, with a different user adding: "This also penalises kids with physical illness or SEND related issues both my kids are special needs and I wouldn’t be happy about this."
Someone else shared: "In my granddaughter's school those with 100% attendance had ice cream in class while sat beside those who had been off. Disgusting."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
