Once, children brought in an apple for teacher. Now, at private schools, Hermès handbags, diamond necklaces and even wads of cash are the order of the day. According to the magazine Tatler, rich parents are giving such “inappropriately extravagant” gifts to their children’s teachers that some schools have imposed “ceilings”, amid fears that they could fall foul of the Bribery Act. The magazine is now campaigning for more schools to clamp down on the “flash-fest”. (The Week May 7th 2014)

This is entirely unacceptable and unprofessional. What are the parents thinking of? Preferential marks or grades for little Jimmy? School teachers have taught, hopefully because they enjoy little children, for centuries. Were I a teacher I would end up highly irritated with unwanted gifts from parents. If they want to reward me, lobby for better pay for me. That would be the best incentive. But then that would mean more taxation and helping the general community, instead of just Jimmy.