All education during school hours is free. We do not charge for any activity undertaken as part of the National Curriculum with the exception of individual or group music tuition. The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities, including trips, clubs and residential experiences can make towards pupils’ education. The Governing Body aims to promote and provide such activities both as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the school and as additional optional activities. However, due to the limited funds in the delegated budget the Governing Body reserves the right to make a charge in the following circumstances for activities organised by the school. We try to minimise the financial barriers which may prevent some pupils taking full advantage of opportunities.
NO CHARGES WILL BE MADE FOR:
When organising school visits which enrich the curriculum and educational experience of the children, the school invites parents to contribute to the cost of the trip. All contributions are voluntary. If we do not receive sufficient voluntary contributions, we may cancel a trip. If a curriculum visit goes ahead, it may include children whose parents have not paid any contribution. We do not treat these children differently from any others. Pupils whose parents/guardians do not contribute cannot be discriminated against. Parents have a right to know how each trip is funded.
If a parent wishes their child to take part in a school trip or event, but is unwilling or unable to make a voluntary contribution, we do allow the child to participate fully in the trip or activity. Sometimes the school pays additional costs in full or partially, in order to support the visit especially if additional funding comes into the school (pupil premium/sports funding). Parents have a right to know how each trip is funded. The school provides this information on request.
The following is a list of possible additional activities organised by the school, which require voluntary contributions from parents. These activities are known as ‘optional extras’. This list is not exhaustive:
Currently we organise School Residential Visits for Year 6 in the Summer term. If the school organises a residential visit in school time or mainly school time, which is to provide education directly related to the National Curriculum, we do not make any charge for the education. However, we do make a charge to cover the costs of board, lodging and travel expenses. If parents are experiencing financial difficulty they are invited to speak in confidence to the Headteacher.
Outside of Normal School Hours/Optional Extras The Headteacher can charge parents for board and lodging on residential visits as well as the full cost when a visit is deemed to be an ‘optional extra’. An optional extra:
The parents’ agreement to meet the costs of an optional extra visit before that visit is planned in detail will always be obtained in writing. The stated cost of an optional extra visit must not include an element of subsidy for pupils whose families do not meet the full charge. Parental permission should be obtained as follows:
Sample Parental Declaration. Parents sign a declaration which contains, e.g. I understand:
All children study music as part of the normal school curriculum. We do not charge for this.
There is a charge for individual or group music tuition if this is not part of the National Curriculum. The peripatetic music teachers teach individual or small group lessons. We make a charge for these lessons. If parents are experiencing financial difficulty, they are invited to speak in confidence to the Headteacher.
The school organises swimming lessons for a range of ages across the school. These take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. We do ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards the additional cost of hiring the pool, lifeguards, swimming instructors and travel. We inform parents when these lessons are to take place by letter as-well as reminders on the school fortnightly newsletter. Refunds for lessons aren’t given unless cancelled by the school.
In order to remove financial barriers from disadvantaged students, the governing body has agreed that some activities and visits where charges can legally be made will be offered at no charge or a reduced charge to parents in particular circumstances. This remission policy sets out the circumstances in which charges will be reviewed.
There may be other extenuating circumstances in which waiver of charges will be considered.
Application for remission along with supporting information should be made to the school administrator, and will be treated in confidence.
The Governing Body recognises its responsibility to ensure that the offer of activities and educational visits does not place an unnecessary burden on family finances. To this end we will try to adhere to the following:
To help with further enrichment, where possible, pupil premium funding can be offered to support your children. More information on this is published on the school website under Key Information / Pupil Premium. If unsure, please contact the school office – 01684 292198 , speak to the Head Teacher or have a discussion/meeting with our school Family Support Worker.
