Real-life MMD: Should I pay fixed contribution for teacher's gift?

withalj

No way should anyone be asked to pay this amount for a teacher's present. The child should learn that this kind of demand is wrong and be proud to stand up against it.

If the child wants to give some thank-you present to their teacher it should be something thoughtfully given, preferably home-made.

(This goes for all presents IMO, there's too much giving cash or vouchers - I can't see the point myself.)

aligloo

A troll or Mr Gove! I can't imagine any teacher in the UK thinking this is anything other than a dreadful idea.

Barryfan

I think this is outrageous! Have you spoken to your son's friends' Mums? I bet they probably feel the same as you. For your son to say he doesn't want to be the odd one out smacks of the school almost blackmailing the children. If it were me I would complain to the head teacher and then the Governing Body of the school. Alternatively just buy the teacher and teching assistant some small token of appreciation (chocolates or smellies should be acceptable).

helentad

My children and I spend time decorating something like a little dish or as like this year we did window sun catchers. The teachers always appreciate the fact the children have taken the time and effort to do something.
Personally I would refuse to give that amount of money and write a letter which I would had to all the parents either in the morning or when collecting the children. I think this practice is abhorrent especially when so many families are struggling. I can't afford to shop at John Lewis so why should I finance a teacher who is already getting a good wage to spend money in a shop where I can't even afford to window shop.

stingyscot

NO!NO!NO! Oh, did I remember to say NO!

Cazza59

Perhaps the tax office should be notified of the level of teachers gift subscriptions. This teacher is already being paid for her services and no child should be obligated to donate towards a teachers present to the extent that they are willing to surrender their pocket money. This nothing better than blackmail. The local education authority or ofsted should look at this practice before it gets even more out of hand. Good luck.

System

No, no, no.

There is no way people should be coerced into giving a gift to their teacher, gifts should be entirely voluntary if they're given at all.
£25 is outrageous yes, but worse is the idea that it is expected of all the parents.
We have to stop copying the Americans in everything we do, it's not healthy!

As others have said, report it, complain, make a fuss - but do not give anything to this money-grabbing teacher. If your son is upset by this, could you give a donation to a charity of his choice in the teacher's name?

Edited to say, entirely agree with the above post.

anniey

No Way, definitely not, Outrageous on so many counts!! Is this a joke?
I was taught as a child you dont ask for gifts. They're something freely given when the giver sees it as appropriate.
Nursers arent allowed to accept gifts because it could compromise their Code of Conduct, why should teachers expect this?
(Do professions merge to a certain level of outrageousness - I know of one teacher just now on sick leave getting sick pay while private tutoring at the same time?)
(This has been my biggest rant yet on these dilemmas, just flabbergasted!)

Gary_Bighitter

I don't believe for one minute that this is genuine but in the interests of joining this (unanimous) debate I'll suspend disbelief and go along with everyone else who says that this matter should be reported to the headteacher, ofsted, HMRC, police, government, armed forces and probably the UN for good measure. Sorry but a ludicrous 'dilemma' warrants a ludicrous response. In the unlikely event that this teacher exists she should receive nothing more than a P45 - people like her (those who actually exist) make me want to vomit

Rosamundi

Isn't the clue in the title "gift" Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.

The expectattion that each child would donate £25 is totally unrealistic.

If your son wants to give a gift, then a small personal gift to his teacher and assistant would to me be more appropriate, esspecially if he chooses it himself.

You'll also be teaching him that it's the thought which counts and not to expect gifts - something his teacher ought to learn too