Nonplussed parents have scoffed at a school’s threat to fine them if they are late picking up their children and declared it “cheap childcare”.
Woodbank Primary School, in Bury, Greater Manchester, sent out in its newsletter telling mums and dads running late would be fined £5 every half an hour.
Far from being seen as a financial burden, parents responded to the news by calling the money “good value”.
Others say the school has “shot itself in the foot” with the move.
Jo Whitehead said: "That’s actually really good value childcare.
“For many working parents breaking their neck to get to school on time it could be a good wrap-around care option."
Tracy added: "Absolutely going to backfire, many parents will lose the guilt and effort to be on time and consider £5 per half hour worth it.
“And probably take the whole half hour if they’re paying for it."
The newsletter tells parents to pick up their children “promptly” at the end of the day, Manchester Evening News reported.
It adds fines will be incurred because staff will be late to meetings and it “causes distress” to the youngsters.
Former teacher Skye Gray said: “When I worked in a primary school the same children on a regular basis were left waiting for their parents.
“One often sat with the headteacher for an hour at a time. Some parents made no effort to rush expecting teachers to provide after school care.”
Another added: “I used to work in private nurseries and the amount of times parents are late is ridiculous.
"Before I drove I had to rely on public transport and if I missed my bus due to parents being late then I’d be waiting an extra 30 minutes for a bus home and not get home until 7.30pm or later.
"I’ve missed appointments or been late for plans because of parents being late and it’s frustrating when it’s the same people all the time.
“I think they should be fined if it’s the same people continuously being inconsiderate.”
Headteacher Kelly Macadam previously said: "It is very important parents and carers pick up their children on time at the end of the school day.
“Children not collected on time often get upset and distressed if they do not know where their parent is.
“Also, staff members have to attend meetings, lead extra-curricular clubs or have work to complete, and sometimes have to leave school on time for their own childcare arrangements.
“We always make allowances for exceptional circumstances such as an emergency or being stuck in traffic, and we provide a ‘before and after school’ club which parents can use if they are going to be late.
"We would only consider charging parents who are persistently and repeatedly late. To date, no parent has been charged.
"If any parent has any concerns about school policy, I would urge them to contact me directly."
