Schoolgirl Maddie Stevens and her mother Gail, who recently lost her battle with breast cancer (Picture: NTI)

An 11-year-old girl was prevented from going on a school trip because she lacked a 100% attendance record – after taking a day off to attend her mother’s funeral.

Maddie Stevens lost her mother, Gail, in January after a two-year battle with breast cancer and St Giles’ Junior School in Bedworth, Warwickshire, gave her a leave of absence in order to attend the service.

However, she was later forced to miss a school treat – a meal at a local Frankie & Benny’s restaurant – as a result of her day off.

Maddie’s father Andy Stevens only found out about her omission after the meal had taken place.




‘She got very upset when Gail passed away and at the funeral, but she’s just tried to get on with things,’ he explained.

‘Her school should be celebrating what she’s achieved not saying “you can’t come on the school outing because your mum died”.’

A spokesperson for St Giles’ Junior School said: ‘Following concerns raised, the rewarding of pupils for 100 per cent attendance has been withdrawn.’

Maddie Stevens with her dad Andy during a trip to London (Picture: NTI)