Parents fined £1 for every minute they are late collecting their children from school

Pupils will be excluded if rule is continually flouted, according to warning letter from Oasis Academy Limeside in Oldham

Parents of children at Oasis Academy Limeside have described the threat as ‘ridiculous’ (Google Map)

Parents have been threatened with £1 fines for every minute they are late picking up their children from a pre-school.

Their children will also be excluded if the mothers and fathers continually fail to turn up on time at Oasis Academy Limeside in Oldham.

Bosses issued the threats after complaining that staff burdened with minding the pupils after their morning session had less time for their lunch and to prepare for afternoon classes.

Parents criticised the new rules as “ridiculous” and questioned whether the punishments for late pick-ups of their children were even legal.

The letter from Oasis Academy Limeside on Monday read: "The unit needs to close between sessions in order for staff to have their lunch and prepare the classroom.

“When children are collected late staff have less time to prepare for the afternoon session.

“A charge of £1 is payable for every minute you are late to collect your child.

“Continuous late collections will result in your child’s place being withdrawn. Thank you.”

One mother, who asked not to be named, hit out over the letter.

She told the Manchester Evening News: “I just couldn't believe it.

“How are they going to enforce it and where is that money going to go?

“Is it even legal to charge parents for being late?

“I find it disgusting. We’re in a deprived area where there are a lot of single mums trying to get back into work. It’s ridiculous."

Principal Helen Arya told the newspaper: “Our pre-school staff run two separate sessions, one that ends at 11.45am and one that begins at 12.15pm.

“Due to the time constraints between sessions, when our staff can have their lunch and prepare for the children coming in the afternoon, it is important parents are punctual at pick up time.

“The letter to our parents earlier this week was to reiterate how seriously we take this issue.

“As ever, if any of our parents or guardians have any concerns regarding this or any other issue, they are encouraged to contact the academy directly.”

Ms Arya was not immediately available for comment when contacted by The Independent.

Oasis Academy Limeside is a co-educational school and provides learning for children from the ages of 3 to 11 years.