Children of better-off parents left in tears after they are banned from attending school trips at half-term

Published 27th Jan 2010

Children from better-off families have been banned from school trips with their less privileged classmates.

Only pupils eligible for free school meals because their parents are on benefits are able to take part in the holiday activities.

The government-funded scheme, operating in 22 schools in Trafford, Greater Manchester, pays for 'economically disadvantaged' school children only.

Parents of pupils unable to take part are outraged after being told their children cannot take part, even if they offer to pay.

Sarah Rumney, whose five-year-old son goes to Partington Primary, in Trafford, said some children had been left in tears because they did not understand why they could not go on the trips with their friends.

The activities, due to take place in the February half-term, include a trip to Knowsley Safari Park, football sessions with Manchester United Foundation and a day at the indoor snow centre, Chill Factore.

‘I'm really angry,’ she said. ‘I'm being penalised for working and wanting to do better for myself and my children.’ Rumney, 29, a self-employed cleaner from Partington, added she would be willing to pay for her son to take part but has been told she was not allowed to do so due to restricted places.

She said: ‘It's a nightmare. What sort of incentive does it give to these kids to want to go out and work if all their friends are allowed to go on fantastic trips but they aren't?

‘I'm quite annoyed about it.’

Margaret Woodhouse, Trafford council's interim corporate director of the Children and Young People's Service, confirmed 22 schools in west Trafford had been included in the pilot scheme.

‘This meant children attending schools from Urmston through to Partington would benefit,’ she said.

‘It was a government requirement the money be used to support children from economically disadvantaged families within the area.

‘Trafford council chose to follow the guidance from the Training and Development Agency - responsible for allocating funding on the government's behalf - and use free school meals as its criteria.

‘This ensures the funding goes to support children from lower-income families.’

The Department for Children, Schools and Families declined to comment.

Source: ' Daily Mail '

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