Parents banned from flying their child into schooldance
Thread Starter
Parents banned from flying their child into schooldance
Ban on school dance helicopter drop - Yahoo! News UK
A parent was banned from flying a child to an end-of-term primary school dance in a helicopter, it was revealed.
The local authority rejected the request made earlier this week on health and safety grounds.
The parent wanted to fly the 11-year-old to the ceilidh at Mearns Primary School in upmarket Glasgow suburb Newton Mearns.
A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: "A parent approached us looking to land a helicopter in the school grounds but we refused that request because the school would have needed to spend time cordoning off areas to keep children safe.
"Their time is better spent teaching the children. If there was an educational benefit for the school, we would be happy to look seriously at this. But there was no benefit.
"East Renfrewshire Council prides itself on its health and safety record and we have this event to celebrate the seven years that these children have spent with us in primary education and give them a big send-off. For some, it is their first formal dance."
A spokeswoman for the charity One Parent Families Scotland said: "The cost of end-of-term parties can put pressure on parents. Schools need to be sensitive to the financial circumstances of all parents.
"It's about having inclusive policies and the mechanisms for helping those who are in limited incomes so their children don't miss out.
"Children, being children, want to be part of the group."
The charity runs a freephone helpline for single parents in Scotland.
The local authority rejected the request made earlier this week on health and safety grounds.
The parent wanted to fly the 11-year-old to the ceilidh at Mearns Primary School in upmarket Glasgow suburb Newton Mearns.
A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: "A parent approached us looking to land a helicopter in the school grounds but we refused that request because the school would have needed to spend time cordoning off areas to keep children safe.
"Their time is better spent teaching the children. If there was an educational benefit for the school, we would be happy to look seriously at this. But there was no benefit.
"East Renfrewshire Council prides itself on its health and safety record and we have this event to celebrate the seven years that these children have spent with us in primary education and give them a big send-off. For some, it is their first formal dance."
A spokeswoman for the charity One Parent Families Scotland said: "The cost of end-of-term parties can put pressure on parents. Schools need to be sensitive to the financial circumstances of all parents.
"It's about having inclusive policies and the mechanisms for helping those who are in limited incomes so their children don't miss out.
"Children, being children, want to be part of the group."
The charity runs a freephone helpline for single parents in Scotland.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Essex
Age: 54
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bit OTT for a primary school formal...I live 5 mins walk from the primary school in our village and have a landing site less than 100m away from the school in a mates paddock - which I use for pickup/dropoff when we are off somewhere North of the Thames (to save the family travelling with me to Redhill to get the chopper).
Now if they were off to some country manor for college/graduation formal then I would likely do it for my kids, but as my eldest is only 7 this year, I have at last 12 years before she leaves college.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Goathland
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmmm, I flew my son, (then 14) to his end of term prom in Whitby in the 47, no problem from the school at all... All the kids enjoyed looking over the machine my wife acted as ground crew. Made the local paper!
Kev.
Kev.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: England & Scotland
Age: 63
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yet another example of silly "kill-joy" rules.
See Eurocopter EC120B Colibri, G-FEDA, Owner John Henshall. Flight operated by EGB (Helicopters) Ltd - it is possible to do this without killing an entire classroom of children.
Come the revolution, H&S should be first against the wall for the firing squad.
See Eurocopter EC120B Colibri, G-FEDA, Owner John Henshall. Flight operated by EGB (Helicopters) Ltd - it is possible to do this without killing an entire classroom of children.
Come the revolution, H&S should be first against the wall for the firing squad.
Hmmm, I flew my son, (then 14) to his end of term prom in Whitby in the 47
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by BBC News
"But we refused that request because the school would have had to spend time cordoning off areas to keep the children safe.
"Their time is better spent teaching the children."
"Their time is better spent teaching the children."
However if you read the news article further the real reason is in there - BBC News - Ban on helicopter arrival at primary school prom
Originally Posted by BBC News
"Schools need to be sensitive to the financial circumstances of all parents.
"It's about having inclusive policies and the mechanisms for helping those who are in limited incomes so their children don't miss out.
"Children, being children, want to be part of the group."
"It's about having inclusive policies and the mechanisms for helping those who are in limited incomes so their children don't miss out.
"Children, being children, want to be part of the group."
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Close to the hangar, UK.
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe there will be a silver linning to the county's financial doldrums.
Perhaps we will discover that we can live long and satisfying lives without a H&S do gooder looking over our shoulders every day.
It's a shame the CAA are (potentially) imune from public funding cuts or we might see an improvement in their service as they fight for their jobs. They'll price themselves out of jobs soon anyway.......
And perhaps public enquiries won't be able to fund lawyers soon too!
[Rant Mode Off]
Perhaps we will discover that we can live long and satisfying lives without a H&S do gooder looking over our shoulders every day.
It's a shame the CAA are (potentially) imune from public funding cuts or we might see an improvement in their service as they fight for their jobs. They'll price themselves out of jobs soon anyway.......
And perhaps public enquiries won't be able to fund lawyers soon too!
[Rant Mode Off]
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: US
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You Brits didn't notice that by 2004 Eric Blair's prophetic novel "1984" had all but been realised across most of Europe?
I understand its now illegal for British Army pilot's to wolf whistle or complient a young lass and that you need local council permission for 'interior redesign' of your houses!
Expect it to get worse as time goes by - being different, standing out from the crowd and expressing yourself ... the sins of the future!
The Britain of the 1940's would never have accepted this cr*ap but after victory ... apathy and a weakened culture - the US is no better.
Let the rebels arise !!!
I understand its now illegal for British Army pilot's to wolf whistle or complient a young lass and that you need local council permission for 'interior redesign' of your houses!
Expect it to get worse as time goes by - being different, standing out from the crowd and expressing yourself ... the sins of the future!
The Britain of the 1940's would never have accepted this cr*ap but after victory ... apathy and a weakened culture - the US is no better.
Let the rebels arise !!!
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Goathland
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FH1100
Yeah he went there single, but came back with a girlfriend (didn't last - as they are too expensive)
I think the bit about the "parents on lower incomes" bit sort of sums up the whole of the UK government's attitude... Tax the rich to bring them down to the same level as the poor, instead of allowing the poor to do well and become the rich...
Maybe if some of the kids at the school saw the kid in the helicopter, they might just say "I want that too" and strive hard in future life?
Kev.
Yeah he went there single, but came back with a girlfriend (didn't last - as they are too expensive)
I think the bit about the "parents on lower incomes" bit sort of sums up the whole of the UK government's attitude... Tax the rich to bring them down to the same level as the poor, instead of allowing the poor to do well and become the rich...
Maybe if some of the kids at the school saw the kid in the helicopter, they might just say "I want that too" and strive hard in future life?
Kev.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: UK, US, now more ɐıןɐɹʇsn∀
Age: 41
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So, according to that school policy/opinion/bias/weird thinking/uberPC crap, all those flights, be it in helicopters, planes or whatever means, are pure non-sense as many of those events/activities are for disadvantaged, sick children.
But someone wishing to create everlasting memory of an important even for their OWN kids?
Sure, it may sound a bit snobby, but why not? Even R22 or R44 would look good in the eyes of kids, and that's rotary Fiat Uno, and not expensive twin, so not exactly elitist.
But someone wishing to create everlasting memory of an important even for their OWN kids?
Sure, it may sound a bit snobby, but why not? Even R22 or R44 would look good in the eyes of kids, and that's rotary Fiat Uno, and not expensive twin, so not exactly elitist.
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Essex
Age: 54
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the youngsters would have enjoyed a look over the machine and the exhibition of arrival by chopper...something for some to aspire to.
The issue, as has been highlighted, is that it potentailly highlights a 'class/wealth divide' that the school is uncomfortable with.
Ask the same school if the Fleet Air Arm 'Black Cats' could send a Lynx to do a little show and then give the kids a talk on careers in the Navy...sure the answer would be yes!
Back in 1989 the RN Sharks brought a Gazelle to my college...I wanted to fly planes, but that (after Airwolf ofcourse) sparked my interest in choppers.
The issue, as has been highlighted, is that it potentailly highlights a 'class/wealth divide' that the school is uncomfortable with.
Ask the same school if the Fleet Air Arm 'Black Cats' could send a Lynx to do a little show and then give the kids a talk on careers in the Navy...sure the answer would be yes!
Back in 1989 the RN Sharks brought a Gazelle to my college...I wanted to fly planes, but that (after Airwolf ofcourse) sparked my interest in choppers.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: lake district
Age: 49
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
today the fsa bit the dust. lets all hope and pray the hse are next.
in one flash of inspiration tomorrows pilot could have been moulded. but no, the machine will remain in the hangar.
what a shame.
in one flash of inspiration tomorrows pilot could have been moulded. but no, the machine will remain in the hangar.
what a shame.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: England & Scotland
Age: 63
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Teacher from local school (lives close by) has asked that I bring a helicopter in at the end of term to show the kids! Seems I could save myself time & money by quoting H&S at them.
Private school, though, so more concerned with showing kids what they can do if the work hard. That bit has gone out of fashion in State education. I think it's a good idea and I am going to do it.
(Myself - born on a council estate in Liverpool, State education)
Private school, though, so more concerned with showing kids what they can do if the work hard. That bit has gone out of fashion in State education. I think it's a good idea and I am going to do it.
(Myself - born on a council estate in Liverpool, State education)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Kevin_Mayes:
I think the bit about the "parents on lower incomes" bit sort of sums up the whole of the UK government's attitude... Tax the rich to bring them down to the same level as the poor, instead of allowing the poor to do well and become the rich...
Maybe if some of the kids at the school saw the kid in the helicopter, they might just say "I want that too" and strive hard in future life?
Kev. "
I think that sums up an awful lot - well put !
I think the bit about the "parents on lower incomes" bit sort of sums up the whole of the UK government's attitude... Tax the rich to bring them down to the same level as the poor, instead of allowing the poor to do well and become the rich...
Maybe if some of the kids at the school saw the kid in the helicopter, they might just say "I want that too" and strive hard in future life?
Kev. "
I think that sums up an awful lot - well put !
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: -
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting discussion going on here ...
Banned from arriving at primary school prom in a helicopter. - General Discussion - Digital Spy Forums
Banned from arriving at primary school prom in a helicopter. - General Discussion - Digital Spy Forums
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: England
Age: 56
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gets on my nerves
They should have just asked the headmaster.
I'm flying a friends son and pals into his prom next Thursday.
we asked the headmaster, obtained written permission, I've given my safety instructions and thats it.
I've now just read some of the posts on the other link. Now that REALLY gets on my nerves. Arrrrrggggghhhhh!
Joel
They should have just asked the headmaster.
I'm flying a friends son and pals into his prom next Thursday.
we asked the headmaster, obtained written permission, I've given my safety instructions and thats it.
I've now just read some of the posts on the other link. Now that REALLY gets on my nerves. Arrrrrggggghhhhh!
Joel
Anybody actually read the story?
The bit about cost comes from "A spokeswoman for the charity One Parent Families Scotland", not the local council/school - I also think the comment is intended as a general one about the increasing number of these 'prom' type events ("rant mode on" another example of cultural colonisation from our cousins across the water - like Halloween..."rant mode off") and not this specific case of using a helicopter.
The bit about cost comes from "A spokeswoman for the charity One Parent Families Scotland", not the local council/school - I also think the comment is intended as a general one about the increasing number of these 'prom' type events ("rant mode on" another example of cultural colonisation from our cousins across the water - like Halloween..."rant mode off") and not this specific case of using a helicopter.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"One Parent Families Scotland". Who gives these people the opportunity to either make comment or have a casting vote in something like this ? (I have a fair guess who funds them/ pays their benefits though). The UK has turned into a nation were the minorities decide what the majority does and if you dare to question it you are one of the following :
1. Racist 2 Sexist 3 Homophobic 4 Ageist 5 Fat Cat etc etc etc.
I know the location of this school and Stevie Wonder could land a Chinook there without hitting anything !
Maybe if the helicopter was painted in day-glow pink with blacked out windows and loud music then "One Parent Families Scotland" might approve.
Give me strength !
Tarman
1. Racist 2 Sexist 3 Homophobic 4 Ageist 5 Fat Cat etc etc etc.
I know the location of this school and Stevie Wonder could land a Chinook there without hitting anything !
Maybe if the helicopter was painted in day-glow pink with blacked out windows and loud music then "One Parent Families Scotland" might approve.
Give me strength !
Tarman
tarman,
I think SWBKCB had the right interpretation on this - the comments from that particular organisation were aimed at the increase in school 'proms' etc and the financial burden that puts on some - which is what this event was - not helicopters. The helicopter comments came from the council.
I take it that when you refer to single parent families, you are only referring to the 'scummy' type ones? Not the Afghanistan widows, wives whose husbands have left them or widowers whose wives died of breast cancer when their kids were young? Oh, good - thought so
I think SWBKCB had the right interpretation on this - the comments from that particular organisation were aimed at the increase in school 'proms' etc and the financial burden that puts on some - which is what this event was - not helicopters. The helicopter comments came from the council.
I take it that when you refer to single parent families, you are only referring to the 'scummy' type ones? Not the Afghanistan widows, wives whose husbands have left them or widowers whose wives died of breast cancer when their kids were young? Oh, good - thought so