Wouldn't it be a snub to pupils and their parents if they turned these gifts down?

Bleddyn Jones, head teacher

A spokesman said the code of conduct applied to all council staff and schools had been reminded that they too should comply with the edict.

But many head teachers were unimpressed, saying their staff should be free to accept presents to Miss and Sir graciously.

Head teacher of Lady Jane Grey Primary School, Julia Beckreck, said it was important not to hide issues such as alcohol consumption from children.

Expression of thanks

"I thought the edict was very curious - I don't quite understand the rationale behind it. I just think it's inappropriate really.

"If parents want to give gifts - as long as they're not excessive - it seems to me an expression of their thanks and if they want to express it in that way then I think it's important that staff accept graciously," she said.

The gift of alcohol is a difficult one and really parents ought to think of another way of showing their appreciation

Roger Hewins, head teacher

Head teacher at Little Bowden School, Bleddyn Jones, said the edict made him very angry, but also made him laugh.

He said he had explained the directive to his staff and had promptly put the piece of paper in the bin.

"At a school, a child who appreciates what the teacher has done over a year, it's only natural for that child to take a gift in and the teachers are delighted to have that gift.

"And wouldn't it be a snub to them and their parents if they turned these gifts down?"

'Inappropriate'

But head of Holliers Walk Primary School in Hinckley, Roger Hewins, said there were genuine concerns about giving alcohol as a gift.

"The difficulty with alcohol is that you give it to somebody in all innocence and what may come with it is the implication that the person is a drinker.

"Somebody else may feel that it's inappropriate. Whereas a whole range of other presents - chocolates and that kind of thing - don't have any implications.

"I think the gift of alcohol is a difficult one and really parents ought to think of another way of showing their appreciation," said Mr Hewins.