Charging Policy
Introduction
All education during school hours is free. We may make a small charge for any activity undertaken as part of the National Curriculum including swimming, individual and group music tuition.
Voluntary Contributions
When organising school activities, 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 or activity. If a trip or activity goes ahead, it may include children whose parents have not paid any contribution. 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 or the PTA pays additional costs in order to support the visit or activity. Parents have a right to know how each trip and activity 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:
- Visits to museums, the theatre, parks and other public places
- Sporting activities which require transport
- Outdoor adventure activities
- School trips abroad
- Residential visits
- Musical events
- Visits by artists, dancers, musicians etc
Residential Visits
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 ask for a contribution towards the travelling and costs of board and lodgings.
Music Tuition
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. There is a charge for these lessons. We give parents information about additional music tuition at the start of each academic year.
Swimming
The school organises swimming lessons for all children in Classes 2, 3 and 6. These take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. We ask parents to make a contribution towards this activity. We inform parents when these lessons are to take place, and we ask parents for their written permission for their child to take part in swimming lessons.
Clubs
Most clubs are free although a nominal charge may be made to assist with the purchasing of equipment and materials. Parents/carers are informed of all club costs at the start of each term.
Books/Resources
We request payment in the case of lost or damaged property. Currently we charge £5.00 to cover the cost of a lost or damaged text‑book and £5.00 or a donation of a new book for any lost library books.
Voluntary Fund
Voluntary fund is funded by the sale of items such as school photographs, awards and voluntary contributions to the school.
KB& Bursar – September 2007
To be reviewed – September 2008
