A VILLAGE school, which was criticised by parents for “segregating” children at a father’s day lunch because they didn’t have a male figure to join them, is considering whether or not to continue marking the annual event.
Last month, dads, granddads, uncles and brothers were invited to Cockfield Primary School for a special Father’s Day lunch.
Some parents were left angered when they found out that their children had been made to eat in a separate classroom because they did not have a male role model who could attend.
Headteacher Kathryn Heatherington explained that this was due to lack of space and that some of the pupils enjoyed their lunch with their teachers.
However, following a number of complaints from parents, the school is now reviewing the event.
Ms Heatherington said: “We have listened to the concerns voiced and have no wish to stop any of our children bringing someone special to them to any event we have.
“We will continue to offer opportunities for this throughout the year, where they can be accommodated within the size of building we have.
“We are currently looking at whether and how we mark mother’s day and father’s day next year and beyond and will be letting parents know in due course.”
Kirsty Lowther complained to the school following the event after her ten-year-old nephew, Cameron, was left upset after being made to eat his dinner in a different classroom.
She said she felt the children had been punished and discriminated against for not having someone there with them.
Mrs Lowther is mother to one-year-old Joey with her wife, Stephanie, and believes the event should be changed to a “bring someone special to school” lunch. She is happy that parents’ voices have been heard by staff at the school.
She said: “It would be a shame to stop it all together as I think it is nice for the kids having a family member, carer or friend to come and have lunch with them but just make it an open policy so anyone can attend.
“I am really pleased that they have decided to review but I hope they review mother’s day as well as this was about both days, not just father’s day.”
