Doon Academy student Samuel Wise, 14, rushed back from his Grandmother’s funeral in Coventry – an eight hour journey – only to be turned away from the trip to Alton Towers, because there was a problem with his consent form.
His mother, Karen told the press: “We struggle financially. I’m not able to work since I broke my back so as soon as we got the letter I had to put a couple of pounds back here and there. One week we only had £5 for the whole week”.
In spite of having a list with his name on and which coach he was allocated to be on, because of an incomplete consent form, Samuel was told he could not go on the trip.
“My husband asked if he could give verbal consent until the next day. By the time he got to Alton Towers it could have been signed. He also suggested writing it down on a blank piece of paper but they said that wasn’t legally binding because it wasn’t on the school’s headed paper”.
Doon Academy has since apologised and admitted to the parents that the situation should have been dealt with better.
A school spokesman said: “East Ayrshire Council wishes to apologise to Samuel and his family for any distress caused. It is of paramount importance that signed consent is in place before pupils embark on any school trips”.
But Karen is demanding more than that, insisting on at least a written apology to her son.
“He’s nearly a man. He’s old enough to be treated properly and given a letter to say they are sorry.”
