Nine year old Ronnie Callaway-Hinks, who attends St George’s Beneficial Primary School, Portsea, has been told he cannot go on a residential trip with his classmates, as he is not a Pupil Premium (children identified as ‘disadvantaged’ and eligible for free school meals) student.
Mom Jennie Hinks even offered to pay for the trip but was told it was not possible. The trip to PGL Liddington Adventure Centre gives students the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities and team building games. Jennie said she had been left “devastated” as she feels the experience would benefit Ronnie, who has severe dyslexia. ‘I’m disgusted my son has been made to feel so upset and discriminated against." said Jennie. ‘He has an Educational Healthcare Plan which can really affect his self-esteem. He would really have benefited from the trip which was designed to improve confidence and social skills,’ she added.
Jennie even offered to pay for the trip but was told it was not possible.
Ronnie said: ‘I realised I was not going to be going when the letters were given out and I didn’t get one. I was not very happy as my friends were going. I don’t think it’s fair that some got to go on the trip depending on their parents’ jobs.’
The school states that the trip was part of year long programme by the charity, Finding Futures, which specifically targeted Pupil Premium children.
Headteacher Sandra Gibb said: ‘The Finding Futures programme is restricted to Pupil Premium children and so unfortunately Ronnie was not eligible. The course and residential trip is funded by the charity and therefore places were restricted to Pupil Premium. The trip is part of a year-long initiative for these specific children.’
Mrs Gibb said she had contacted Mrs Hinks and provided information about summer camps at the centre.
