A SCHOOL scheme which rewards pupils who turn up for class has been branded as "a cheap and nasty scam".

Bispham councillor Don Clapham has accused staff at Palatine High School, in Blackpool, of using "bribery to score points with parents".

He said: "Why children should be virtually blackmailed to go to school is beyond me. By law children have to go to school, and parents have a duty to support them.

"What happens to the children who don't get anything or to the child that has been off school because of a genuine illness?

"It's a bad idea that is unfair and not necessary. Children are going to expect their schools to do the same and get upset if they can't go to Palatine High.

"Where does it stop? If a child turns up to school every day for five years what do they get - a Ford Mondeo?"

The new prize draw is aimed at cutting absenteeism in the St Annes Road school.

Pupils showing consistently high levels of attendance or improved attendance will be allowed to enter the draw and be in with a chance of scooping a range of top prizes.

Prizes up for grabs include a range of CDs, videos or computer games as well as major scoops such as a mountain bike, television and mini stereo - all generously funded by the Friends of Palatine.

Head teacher John McNaughton said: "I cannot see what the difficulty is in a school openly supporting high standards. Part of the ethos of this school is that students who are attending 90 or 100 per cent of the time will be rewarded for their efforts. It also teaches excellent life skills.

"Any criticism of any school, in Blackpool for efforts made to improve attendance is disappointing when in comparison to other national matters at this time.

"I would ask the councillor what should we do? Ignore the problem or do something to strive for social inclusion?"

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