Parents of children at a pre-school have been told they will be fined £1 for every minute they are late picking up their children.
Oasis Academy Limeside in Oldham said parents will be billed for leaving staff waiting around – and pupils could lose their place if consistently picked up late.
Headteacher Helen Arya said the letter was sent out to express ‘how seriously’ they take punctuality.
Bosses at Oasis Academy Limeside have told parents, carers and guardians they will be charged if they leave staff waiting around
The letter was issued to parents of youngsters at the learning unit for two-year-olds at the academy, which runs two sessions a day – one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Staff said parents late picking up their children from morning sessions leave staff with less time for their lunch and to prepare for the afternoon.
The note, issued on Monday, read: ‘Important: The unit needs to close between sessions in order for staff to have their lunch and prepare the classroom.
‘When children are collected late staff have less time to prepare for the afternoon session.
‘A charge of £1 is payable for every minute you are late to collect your child.
‘Continuous late collections will result in your child’s place being withdrawn. Thank you.’
Academy chiefs say the letter – pictured – was sent out to express ‘how seriously’ they take punctuality
The unit is part of Oasis Academy Limeside, a primary school near Hollinwood, and looks after 20 children – some of whom are entitled to 15 hours free care a week under the government’s early education scheme.
The mother, who has asked not to be named, branded the move ‘ridiculous’, adding: ‘I just couldn’t believe it.
‘Sometimes you have to wait a few minutes while a member of staff collects your child from inside.
‘Some people were even laughing about it yesterday. How are they going to enforce it and where is that money going to go?
‘Is it even legal to charge parents for being late?
Oasis Academy Limeside Principal Helen Arya said: ‘The letter to our parents earlier this week was to reiterate how seriously we take this issue’
‘I find it disgusting. We’re in a deprived area where there are a lot of single mums trying to get back into work. It’s ridiculous.
‘Surely there must be an easier way to stop people being late.’
Oasis Academy Limeside Principal Helen Arya said: ‘Our pre-school staff run two separate sessions, one that ends at 11.45am and one that begins at 12.15pm.
‘Due to the time constraints between sessions, when our staff can have their lunch and prepare for the children coming in the afternoon, it is important parents are punctual at pick up time.
‘The letter to our parents earlier this week was to reiterate how seriously we take this issue.
‘As ever, if any of our parents or guardians have any concerns regarding this or any other issue, they are encouraged to contact the academy directly.’