Introduction
All education during school hours is free. We do not charge for any activity undertaken as part of the National Curriculum.
Voluntary Contributions
When organising school trips or 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 trip goes ahead, it may include children whose parents have not paid any contributions. We do not treat these children differently from any others.
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 order to support the visit. Parents have a right to know how each trip is funded. The school provides this information on request.
The following is a list of additional activities organised by the school, which require voluntary contributions from parents. These activities are known as ‘optional extras’. This list is not exhaustive:
- Sporting activities which require transport expenses
- Outdoor adventure activities
- Visits to places of educational interest
- School trips
Residential Trips
Schools are permitted to charge for the cost of board and lodging during residential school trips. This cost must not exceed the actual cost of the provision.
Where the trip takes place wholly or mainly during school hours, children whose parents are in receipt of the following support payments will, in addition to having a free school-lunch entitlement, also may be entitled to the remission of these charges:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit, provided the parent is not entitled to Working Tax Credit and their annual income does not exceed £16,190
- Guaranteed State Pension Credit.
Swimming
The school organises swimming lessons for all children from Year 2. These take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. We make no charge for this activity.
For further information on any of this information, please contact the school office. Paper copies can be made available on request.