Rarely do I get so angry about something to feel the need to write to the papers to share my views but on this occasion I am sufficiently moved to do so.

I am a parent of a child at Prince Henry’s and this proposed iPad scheme has incensed me. My daughter has an e-pad and doesn’t need an iPad.

I do not feel properly consulted over the scheme and the opt in/opt out options are no options at all. I would have liked to have the choice of saying “I am opposed to the scheme in principle but also don’t want my daughter to feel left out,” but this doesn’t seem available.

Like other parents at the school I do not want my daughter to be left out of something but that doesn’t mean that I support the scheme.

I will be forced to pay for an iPad2 which is already an obsolete piece of kit at over the market rate of £300-plus which in three years will be completely out of date I only have one child but what about those with two or three children having to fork out an additional £30 per month in these harsh times?

I do not have any empirical evidence this will benefit her education. I am concerned for her safety and those of all the other children who are walking around Otley known to have iPads in their bags.

And to be advised that they should just hand them over if they are challenged is unacceptable and puts our children at risk of being mugged.

The proposed voluntary gift aid contribution is in my view an abuse of the gift aid scheme (which is for charitable giving from which I am not to receive any gain) and I believe this warrants a report to the HMRC.

In summary, I feel the whole proposal is nothing short of emotional blackmail suggesting that if we don’t opt in our children’s education will be affected.

I, like other parents, have supported a Facebook forum calling for proper consultation and a rethink of the scheme. The site address is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prince-Henrys-Parents-for-Democracy/1441555466064306.

I know many parents who are opposed to this scheme, and many who will unwillingly opt in so their child is not left out, but I do not know any parents who are supportive and think this is a good idea. Please Prince Henry’s think again!

Leonie Sharp, Bridge Avenue, Otley