As of September 2014
Introduction
All education during school hours is free. We do not charge for any activity undertaken as part of the National Curriculum. However we do ask for a contribution.
Voluntary contributions for activities as part of the Curriculum
When organising school trips, visits or workshop activities which enrich the curriculum and educational experience of the children, the school invites parents to contribute to the cost of the activity.
If a parent wishes their child to take part in a school trip or event, but is unable to make a voluntary contribution, the child is still allowed to participate fully in the trip or activity as long as parental consent has been given.
Swimming
The school organises swimming lessons for children. Lessons take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. We inform parents when these lessons are to take.
Optional Extra Activities
(Activities which take place wholly or mainly outside school hours and are not required in order to fulfil statutory duties relating to the National Curriculum or to Religious Education)
It is the governors’ policy to charge for such activities organised by the school. The basis for calculating the charge will be proportionate for each participating pupil for travel, board,& lodging, materials, books, equipment, entrance fees and insurance.
The following is a list of additional activities organised by the school, which require voluntary contributions from parents. This list is not exhaustive:
Sporting activities which require transport expenses; outdoor adventure activities;
Visit to the theatre;
School trips abroad;
Musical event
Activities not run by the School or LA
When an organisation acting independently of the school or LA arranges an activity to take place during school hours and parents want their children to join the activity, such organisation may charge parents.
As of September 2014
Residential Visits
The school organises an annual residential visit for Years 6 children. The cost of this trip includes board & lodging, transport, materials, entrance to any sites visited and charges for any activities to be experienced.
Where available, sponsorship will be provided for children of families on forms of income support or in special circumstances to enable them to take part in the option of their choice. This is stated clearly on letters and is dealt with discretely and in confidence by the Headteacher. Parents will be given the option of a payment plan to spread the costs of the residential visit.
Charging in Kind
The cost of ingredients, materials, equipment etc. needed for practical subjects such as food technology or DT is budgeted for and borne by the school. However, the school may charge for or requires the supply of ingredients and materials if the product is to be owned and taken home by the child afterwards e.g. food products, models containing electrical equipment or batteries. The school will inform parents prior to activities, giving them the choice to pay for materials or purchase their own materials for the activity.
Breakages and Fines
The Governors reserve the right to ask parents to pay for the cost of replacing any item such as:
Broken windows
Defaced, damaged or lost text books
Replacement reading or homework diaries
Any item damaged as a result of unsatisfactory pupil behaviour
Special Needs
The governing body confirms that no pupil with special needs or disabilities will be treated any differently than any other pupil. The school will take all reasonable steps to avoid putting children with special needs at a substantial disadvantage.
Review
There will be an annual review of this policy by the full governing body.
As of September 2014