St Martin at Shouldham Primary Academy in King's Lynn denies asking parents to pay for books and learning resources

A school has denied asking parents to foot the bill for their children’s books.

A parent whose child attends St Martin at Shouldham Primary Academy raised complaints about being encouraged to purchase learning material for others at the school to use.

They had expressed concern about being asked to do so during a cost of living crisis.

Remaining anonymous, they added: “This cannot continue and it’s not fair on the children.”

However, staff at the school have confirmed that they are not specifically asking adults to help in purchasing learning resources.

Katherine Howe, executive head at both Shouldham Primary Academy and All Saints Academy, Stoke Ferry, said: “There is absolutely no expectation that parents should donate to help us purchase the books required for our new reading and writing curriculum.

“We know parents are very generous with their end of year gifts to teachers and, in light of the cost of living crisis, we would rather they spend this money on enhancing the book provision within the school.

“We want to emphasise that we have all academic materials required to deliver an outstanding level of education, and that these books would be seen as a bonus resource rather than a necessity.”

The Lynn News contacted the parent for further comment but received no response.