End-of-year teacher gift collections: parents divided on appropriate amounts

Parents and experts have shared their views on how much to contribute to year-end teacher gifts, with examples of collections and suggested amounts.

• A parent said collections at her South East London primary school reached £560, split between the teacher and teaching assistants.
• Psychologist Jo Hemmings advised specifying contributions in advance, suggesting £10 per parent and £5 for teaching assistants.
• Teacher Tim stated he does not want parents to feel obligated to give gifts, and noted schools often limit gifts to £30 or £50.
• Mother-of-two Maya said she organizes class collections with a £5 contribution per staff member, and called it "terrible" to call out non-contributors.