A SCHOOL has been slammed by parents after they claim children were charged 5p for a water cup on the hottest April day since 1949.
Angry parents said their kids were asked to pay for cups if they forgot their water bottle at Onslow St Audrey's School in Hatfield.
As temperatures soared to the high 20s today a furious mother posted on a Facebook group about the charges.
The Hertfordshire Mercury reports she wrote: "Actually can’t believe that our children can’t even get water at school anymore without paying for it .
“They can buy a cup from the office for 5p if they are thirsty.”
Other parents immediately commented, saying they were unhappy with the policy and asked if the school is allowed to charge for tap water.
However others noted the cost was for the cup, not the water.
But worried mums remained concerned that if their kids didn't have money on them they would be refused water.
Pupils are meant to bring a bottle to fill up with water, as part of a plastic saving policy at the school.
Water dispensers are throughout the school, but children must have a bottle or cup to use them.
School business manager Dominic Richards told the newspaper: "Water is freely available throughout the school and this is free for students to use.
“We encourage parents to send their children to school with reusable water bottles to ensure they have access to water throughout the day.”
He added: “Then they could speak to a teacher [if they didn't have money or a drinking bottle]. We’re not going to deny any child a drink of water.”
The Sun Online has approached the school for further comment.
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After the worried parents flocked online to air their concerns a school representative posted on Facebook that students can get water from dispensers in the school, but if they forget their refillable bottles they can buy a cup or bottle from reception.
In stark weather contrast we reported last year how parents hit out at a school’s "preposterous" decision to ban their kids from wearing winter coats over their uniforms – despite the sub-zero temperatures.
Students at Patcham High School were only permitted to sport one of three regulation jackets that cost up to £32 – and risk having anything warmer confiscated.
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