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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/nov/28/row-worcester-primary-school-st-josephs-nativity-play-charge
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| Row at Worcester primary school over £1 nativity play charge | |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A row has broken out at a primary school in Worcester after parents were told they would be charged £1 for tickets to see their children in the school nativity play. | A row has broken out at a primary school in Worcester after parents were told they would be charged £1 for tickets to see their children in the school nativity play. |
| In a letter to parents, Louise Bury, head teacher of St Joseph’s Catholic primary school, said a charge was being made for the first time because of tightening budgets and promised that all proceeds would be reinvested in the school. | In a letter to parents, Louise Bury, head teacher of St Joseph’s Catholic primary school, said a charge was being made for the first time because of tightening budgets and promised that all proceeds would be reinvested in the school. |
| The decision has angered some parents who have complained to the school. One parent, according to Bury, has complained anonymously to the local newspaper. | The decision has angered some parents who have complained to the school. One parent, according to Bury, has complained anonymously to the local newspaper. |
| In response, in the same letter, Bury expressed concern about the conduct of some parents towards staff, accusing them of verbal abuse. | In response, in the same letter, Bury expressed concern about the conduct of some parents towards staff, accusing them of verbal abuse. |
| The letter, published on the school website, said: “It is evident from the feedback received that there are mixed feelings about this. I know that for some of you, paying to see your child perform doesn’t feel right. | The letter, published on the school website, said: “It is evident from the feedback received that there are mixed feelings about this. I know that for some of you, paying to see your child perform doesn’t feel right. |
| “With ever tightening budgets and growing numbers, we saw this as an opportunity to be able to invest in some valuable reading and learning resources for key stage 1 and early years.” | “With ever tightening budgets and growing numbers, we saw this as an opportunity to be able to invest in some valuable reading and learning resources for key stage 1 and early years.” |
| She said the new resources would help improve the reading progress and attainment of children, particularly those for whom English is a second language. | She said the new resources would help improve the reading progress and attainment of children, particularly those for whom English is a second language. |
| The school, in Warndon, is putting on three performances, one by children in years one and two, one by reception pupils, and one by children in nursery. | The school, in Warndon, is putting on three performances, one by children in years one and two, one by reception pupils, and one by children in nursery. |
| In an interview with the Worcester News, Bury defended the decision to charge. “From my understanding it’s not something that’s uncommon, but it’s the first time we’ve done it. We are becoming a bigger school and there are cost implications on that.” | In an interview with the Worcester News, Bury defended the decision to charge. “From my understanding it’s not something that’s uncommon, but it’s the first time we’ve done it. We are becoming a bigger school and there are cost implications on that.” |
| The school moved from a one-form to a two-form entry three years ago. “It was seen as a wonderful opportunity for us to raise some money. We are a very poorly funded authority. | The school moved from a one-form to a two-form entry three years ago. “It was seen as a wonderful opportunity for us to raise some money. We are a very poorly funded authority. |
| “Everything we do is for our children. We are a school that prides itself on listening to our parents. I know some parents have asked questions and have not been generally happy but the majority of them understand. We will review this if going forward they aren’t happy.” | “Everything we do is for our children. We are a school that prides itself on listening to our parents. I know some parents have asked questions and have not been generally happy but the majority of them understand. We will review this if going forward they aren’t happy.” |