Introduction

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. 

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 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 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:

• visits to museums;

• sporting activities which require transport expenses;

• outdoor adventure activities;

• visits to the theatre;

• musical events.

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 do not make any charge for the education or travel expenses. However, we do make a charge to cover the costs of board and lodging.

Music Tuition

The peripatetic music teachers teach individual or small group lessons. We make a charge for these lessons. There is a £4 charge for each weekly session.  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 Key Stage 2. These take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. We make no charge for 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.

Sporting Activities

The school offers additional coaching after school.  Members of school staff run and organise these sessions. We do not make any charge for these sessions.

Transport

We normally charge children if they are transported by coach to an extra-curricular activity or event. However, we use these charges only to cover the expenses of the transport.

Breakages and Damage

Where a student’s negative behaviour results in damage to school property or equipment; parents may be asked to pay for the necessary repair or replacement.  Each incident should be dealt with on its own merit and at the school’s discretion.

This policy will be reviewed when necessary.