Parents offered class photo with no 'complex needs' pupils

Parents offered class photo with no ‘complex needs’ pupils

A council has apologised after parents were offered a choice of class photos with or without children with complex needs in them.

Parents at Aboyne Primary complained after being sent a link from a photography company offering them alternative pictures.

Aberdeenshire Council said the decision was not taken by the school and the link to the photos was immediately removed.

It said it appreciated the distress and hurt caused. The issue has been taken up with the photography company involved.

BBC Scotland News has contacted the company for comment.

‘Totally unacceptable’

Aberdeenshire Council said in a statement: “We are aware that following Aboyne Primary School’s recent school class photographs, links to purchase the pictures included images with and without complex needs provision pupils.

“Whilst this was not a decision taken by the school, we absolutely appreciate the distress and hurt this has caused some parents and carers and we are sincerely sorry.

“The issue has been taken up with the photography company directly as this is totally unacceptable.”

The council added: “Aboyne is an inclusive school and every single child should be included, engaged and involved in their learning and school experiences.”