Parents stunned by letter home saying their kids could be groomed or radicalised if they didn’t join an after-school club
Outraged dad, Mathew Cable, claims the primary school is scaremongering the children to make parents pay for their kids to join clubs
PARENTS were outraged after receiving a letter telling them their young children may become radicalised or groomed by predators if they fail to attend after-school clubs.
Fuming father Mathew Cable, from Telford, Shropshire, couldn't believe his eyes as he read the letter sent home with children as young as four, 'pressuring' them to join clubs.
The 37-year-old dad of four believes Holmer Lake Primary School, in Brookside, is scarmongering the children after he discovered the letter in his daughter Ellen-May's, 8, school bag.
The letter, sent out on June 8, said: "The reason that we want to ensure that children are involved in at least one club is that research shows that children who do not have a sense of belonging are more likely to be groomed into becoming involved in child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and extremism and other types of crime."
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According to the concerned dad, after-school clubs can cost up to £5, which some parents can't afford.
He also feared his daughter might have read the letter herself and become scared about the adult themes of grooming and radicalisation.
Matthew said: "The letter is very condescending, it's saying that they know our children better than we do and they know what's best.
"They're scaremongering that's what it is - when I read the letter it stopped me in my tracks I thought, oh my god how insensitive is that?
"Their attitude is terrible and they've gone the wrong way about it - it's alright that they want to encourage kids to join these clubs but this isn't the way to do it.
"I'm outraged to be honest, they're treating us parents like idiots and using these fear tactics to get our kids into the clubs."
Ellen-May, known to her family as Ellie, says she was told by her teacher that she needed to choose a club to join, despite her already attending some clubs.
Mathew and other parents he had spoken to did not complain to the school as they thought nothing would be done about it.
The clubs on offer to kids include cooking club, art club, eco club and outdoor fun and games.
The school apologised for the wording of the letter in a statement and plan to send a formal apology to parents.
Matthew, who runs a tattoo studio from home, said: "Ellie came home saying that her teacher told her that she needed to join some after-school clubs so it seems like it's not just through the letter that they're pressuring our kids.
"The worst thing is that it wasn't even sent out to us it was put in their rucksacks. She may only be eight but she can read really well so could have opened it herself.
"The way they've worded it is really shocking - the school is supposed to be full of educated people so I don't get why they couldn't have phrased it a bit better.
"Ellie does go to after-school clubs already but now it's like they're just trying to tick a box and that's more important than what our children want.
"We have to pay for the classes and they're about £2 to £5, I'm lucky to be in a position where I can send her but what about other single parents who can't afford it? It's worrying."
Sian Deane, head teacher of Holmer Lake Primary School, said: "I apologise unreservedly for the wording in the letter.
"I accept that it was inappropriate and badly judged and I will be writing to those parents that received the letter to apologise."