My child treasures her artwork. We keep everything she makes, and other pupils have had work returned to them. We asked the school for help to locate hers. Instead, we were told the Trust will not search for items, will not provide an account of what is held or missing, and that the decision is final. We understand the piece is being retained and is not on public display, yet it is still not being released back to the child who created it. This is not just about paper or materials. It is about something a young person poured time, effort and pride into, and the message sent when she is told she cannot have it back.

Families trust schools to care for children and the things that matter to them. When a child asks for something they made to be returned, compassion should be the starting point. We are simply asking for the original work to be given back to its creator.