PARENTS say it is “outrageous” to try to charge them to watch their children at assemblies in a bid to raise cash for school resources.

Year 4 parents at Mersea Island School were told in an email seen by the Gazette they would be charged £1 per ticket to put towards resources for the school.

One parent told the Gazette that "20 out of 30 plus" parents had spoken together over concerns for the assemblies which take place about twice a term.

They said: “They are equally as livid as me. 

“We were told the ticket system for the school play tickets will be available on Parent Play and in advance, not a donation and not voluntary.

“I have friends who are teachers at schools in the local area and they were gobsmacked."

Communication - An email sent to parents on October 16Communication - An email sent to parents on October 16 (Image: Submitted) The parent also said the school would raise more than £35 an assembly, equivalent to a full class.

They added: “I appreciate £1 is not a lot of money, this is about the principle.

“I don’t think you should be charged to watch your child present at school.”

The parent also expressed further concerns for parents who would be "stigmatised" for not donating £1 due to the cost of living crisis, adding the donation should be asking parents to opt-in to donate rather than opt-out.

Another parent said: “We get charged for everything, come in non-uniform give a pound – everything is a charge.

“School trips, school discos those are an extra but this is not an extra as we provide the outfits and it’s at school.”

Update - An email sent to parents on October 17Update - An email sent to parents on October 17 (Image: Submitted) After the Gazette contacted the school, a second email was sent to parents a day later reassuring parents the charge is voluntary.

A spokesman for Mersea Island School said: “Parents are not obliged to contribute £1 at the Year 4 performance.

“This is the first time we have invited contributions as a result of increasing costs, which are being felt by schools across the country.

“Contributions at performances put on by the school will never be mandatory. We hope this reassures any parents concerned who can always speak with us.”