School cardigan with paint

S_Wales_Saver

So annoyed with DGD's school. Allowing a 7 yr old to paint a bird box with gloss paint is asking for trouble. She got all over her hands and transferred to red school cardigan - all over front and sleeves. Even worse it's from a school supplier with a badge and was being worn for only the third day. :mad:

It was being done as part of an after school club run by outside staff, so not teachers who would presumably be more aware of the potential for disaster. Surely young children should be told to bring in an old shirt as an overall? My own children were for art in 5th year high school.

Any ideas for improving the situation gratefully received, but at the moment it looks like a write off.

smeeth

I've found picking or scraping it off is the only real way to get gloss paint off clothes.

Can't believe they didn't have an apron or something for her!

meritaten

You can claim the cost of replacing the uniform you know? they were clearly at fault here and why should YOU bear the cost of the schools stupidity?
btw - my son did this when the school did something similar and his twins ruined their school clothes painting the school fence. the school paid up when he threatened them with the small claims court!

S_Wales_Saver

Unfortunately it's soaked right into the fabric. . I will speak to the head tomorrow and indicate my annoyance. New cardigans at £11 + postage don't grow on trees!

Smeeth that was precisely my feeling. So easy to ask parents/guardians to supply an old adult shirt, and if any didn't they could put up with the results.

meritaten

don't let them fob you off with it being an 'after school activity'. it was on school premises and they have the 'duty of care' while the child is there.
they are supposed to supply 'protective' aprons for messy play. and it was either inadequate or not supplied at all.

S_Wales_Saver

meritaten No aprons supplied at all for the woodwork group or the cookery group they also attend. Although at least food stains are usually easily laundered.

I will make sure that the other twin takes her own next week as she hasn't painted hers yet.

I must say I hadn't even thought that that the school might cover the damage. I'll be surprised if they do to be honest.

pigpen

soak in white spirit asap after getting it on clothes.. it usually brings most off.

I'd be going in guns blazing demanding a replacement too..

meritaten

S_Wales_Saver wrote: »

meritaten No aprons supplied at all for the woodwork group or the cookery group they also attend. Although at least food stains are usually easily laundered.

I will make sure that the other twin takes her own next week as she hasn't painted hers yet.

I must say I hadn't even thought that that the school might cover the damage. I'll be surprised if they do to be honest.

I am sure due to sons 'battle' with school they are supposed to provide protective aprons when the children are doing 'messy activities'.
he did have to write to school governors and threaten legal action though. and the school did give them the money to buy new uniforms for the twins. they ruined not only cardigans but skirts and polo shirts - many parents were furious and the school soon invested in 'coveralls' for the kids for messy activities.

Their 'duty of care' (keywords here, and always make the heads sit up and take notice) include the children's possessions and uniforms. unless the parents have been informed otherwise. ie - asked to provide 'old' clothing. if parents haven't been asked, then YES the school IS liable.

freezspirit

It must of changed since I was at school. Primary, school provided aprons and old shirts. Secondary, pupil needed to purchase apron and other equipment from a set list depending on which subject. I remember you couldn't use your food technology apron in art or other technologies. However science lessons school provided aprons/overalls/jackets. Most probably for H&S reasons.

However certain technology and art teachers would allow us to wear oversized t-shirts/ shirts as long as they were plain and didn't catch the eye of the headmaster if he did a sudden inspection.

Afterschool art class/club we were allowed to change into our P.E clothes. jumper, polo tshirt and sweat pants as these were easier to clean and cheaper to replace. Jumper had the school cress on as we were still on school grounds - once off school grounds we could wear what we like.

GrannyKate

Had a fracas many years ago with son's school when teacher made him lend his football kit to another boy who was playing in match but had no kit. DS Knew he wasn't supposed to do this but was assured he would get it back. We eventually got half of it back filthy. I asked the school to pay for the missing bits which they did after a few protracted arguments. Head had the nerve to tell me I could afford to replace the kit and the other mother couldn't. I told him that he could not know that he just thought it was the case. They had no right to make my son lend his personal items to another child but at the very least they should have ensured they were returned afterwards. I was really mad at their attitude which was pretty consistent with the schools entire ethos (now closed down). Yes I could replace the kit but I would rather make them do it and give the money to a charity. What sort of an example is it to children to take no responsibility for their actions.

S_Wales_Saver

Well the cardigan was duly taken in to the school head on Friday. She made the point that the after school clubs were run by outside staff (fair point) but agreed to speak with them about the incident and protective clothing in general.

This morning she rang to say that the discussion had been had (no further info on that front) and that the school would be covering the cost of the cardigan. I was pleased and impressed, as although I was annoyed and said so, I had not made any suggestion as to how the school should proceed.

Thanks for all the help and advice. The cardigan will now be binned by the head (it really is unwearable) and a new one will be purchased. Both DGDs will take old shirts in to school for the remainder of the sessions!