11-Year-Old Girl Banned From School Field Trip For Attending Her Mother’s Funeral


School absences are usually justifiable with a legitimate excuse. As a matter of fact, most students are given a certain number of days they can be absent without being reprimanded for missing school. However, one little girl ended up being reprimanded for her school absence even though she had a very legitimate reason.

According to Metro, 11-year-old Maddie Stevens was banned from attending a school field trip after missing one day of school to attend her mother’s funeral. The field trip was reportedly a reward for students who had perfect attendance. Stevens was one of those students until the day of the funeral. Her mother, Gail Stevens, died at the age of 48 back in January after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

The teachers felt it was unfair for Stevens to attend the field trip at Frankie & Benny’s restaurant because she no longer had perfect attendance. Stevens was reportedly heartbroken after being banned from the trip.

“It made me feel sad not to go – it would have been a nice treat. Helping my mum for the past two years has been hard.”

Unfortunately, her father, Andy Stevens, wasn’t informed of his daughter’s disappointment until after the field trip was over. Needless to say, he was absolutely furious. He released a brief statement expressing his disdain for the school’s heartless decision.

“It’s so insensitive after everything Maddie has been through. She has been absolutely amazing since her mum died. She took only one day off to go the funeral, because we wanted to keep things as normal as we could,” he explained. “Then she gets this kick in the face. Her school should be celebrating what she has achieved. Instead she’s been punished for going to her mum’s funeral. It’s a big moment leaving junior school.”

After receiving so many negative reports about the tactless decision, a statement was released by school officials at the St Giles’ Junior School in Bedworth, Warwickshire. School officials publicly addressed the issue, explaining the end-of-term trip would no longer be a form of recognition for students who have perfect attendance.

“Following concerns raised, the rewarding of pupils for 100% attendance has been withdrawn.”

Should the girl have been allowed to attend the field trip with her fellow classmates?

[Image via Bing]

Share this article: 11-Year-Old Girl Banned From School Field Trip For Attending Her Mother’s Funeral
More from Inquisitr