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AIBU?

To think school are taking the piss?

44 replies

user1498726699 · 06/07/2017 16:13

Letter home today giving details of a school day trip next Thursday. No prior notification of this. £25 needs to be paid by next Wednesday.

Things are very tight this month due to various reasons.

Aibu to think school should give at least a month's notice if they want that kind of money out of parents?

OP posts:

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divafever99 · 06/07/2017 16:16

We had a similar thing a couple of weeks back, but it was only £14. It would still be nice to have a bit of notice though so you can budget for the month. I find though most schools give very little notice for anything, parents evenings, class assembly, bring a bottle for summer fayre etc. Not easy when you are working and need notice to book time off/organise these things.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 06/07/2017 16:20

The only thing I can think is maybe they left it as late as possible to check that the weather was gonna be ok? Is it an outdoor trip?

Wolfiefan · 06/07/2017 16:23

Is it a reward trip so they don't know in advance who will be eligible? Was it on the school calendar? If you can't afford it they should have provision to waive or allow for instalments. Your child shouldn't miss out.

AvoidingCallenetics · 06/07/2017 16:23

I think it is unreasonable too. Lots of people just don't have money to spare and sometimes schools forget this. Theu should have given you a heads up about a trip a month ago.

Bobbybobbins · 06/07/2017 16:29

I think this is unreasonable. Shame the school isn't more aware that some parents might have a tight budget!

user1498726699 · 06/07/2017 16:31

It does read as a reward trip in which case why are they asking for money for it (at the end of the letter congratulating DC on their hard work) . It's for the whole year so no issues with eligibility.

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user1498726699 · 06/07/2017 16:33

This is very common practice at this school and really annoying. Of course if I complain I will be that 'parent' again.

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Wolfiefan · 06/07/2017 16:34

They have to wait until they get all the data. They can't tell you in March who will have done well enough to go in July! The cost isn't covered by the meagre school budget. The reward is being selected to go. Daft system but there it is. Honestly if money is tight then contact the school in confidence and explain. They should be able to help.

Eolian · 06/07/2017 16:37

The reward is being allowed to go. The trip will still cost money to run.

user1498726699 · 06/07/2017 16:42

As I said the WHOLE year are going Wolfie.

They do reward trips for 100% attendance out of PTA funds. This is not a reward trip but has been painted as such.

Why should I have to divulge my financial circumstances to the school just because they can't be arsed to give parents proper notice of these things?

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unfortunateevents · 06/07/2017 16:44

It's very short notice. I'm sure the students would be just as happy to have a mufti day with no lessons all day - just games, movies and perhaps the opportunity to bring things in from home. A parental contribution of a couple of pounds would cover ice-cream and cookies for everyone. Job done, everyone happy.

grasspigeons · 06/07/2017 16:47

We always try and make sure payments that big are over 2 pay slips for people. I do think schools give very little notice of stuff and I work in one! But I have children in another school so see it from both sides.

Lemonnaise · 06/07/2017 16:48

At least there's a trip for the money. I got a letter last year for donations. In the letter it said they expected a minimum of £30 per family donation. I gave them £20grudgingly and scored out the £30, bloody cheek.

hollytom · 06/07/2017 16:50

It's unreasonable to ask so late. We would not be allowed to do this at my school. We have been told at least 3 weeks notice to parents
You need to complain or else they will keep doing it.

user1498726699 · 06/07/2017 16:51

It is curriculum oriented rather than a day out.

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SandyDenny · 06/07/2017 16:56

I'd suggest you send a note with the reply slip saying you aren't able to pay it all at short notice, send what you can afford, if anything, and tell them when you'll pay the rest.

No need to go into your financial details, state the facts, apologise if it makes you feel better and put the ball back in their court.

I know it's annoying but in the grand scheme of things it's not worth getting wound up about

Zoflorabore · 06/07/2017 16:58

Our school is taking the juniors for their end of year trip next week to a place half an hour away, £15 charge.

Then some bright spark who has been there before remembered that it's free to get in so the £15 is for coach/insurance, per child X100 plus dc.

I think a week notice for £25 isn't fair. We could pay it, many couldn't.
Is it value for money too op?

requestingsunshine · 06/07/2017 17:00

It's really short notice for that much money. It would be short notice even if it was £10 to be honest though. my dc school do usually give about 3 weeks notice for paid things but other stuff we are lucky if we get a week. Last friday we were notified of an assembly thing this week. I think the school must think that all parents are unemployed or have flexible employers. I can't go, its too short notice. It really annoys me.

AugustRose · 06/07/2017 17:04

Our secondary does a 'reward' trip that you have ot pay for, I never understood it either. They are usually £15-20 (plus food on the day) but thankfully DD nevers wants to go as they are to Lightwater Valley.

gillybeanz · 06/07/2017 17:05

You don't have to divulge anything financial and they should give notice where they can.
Being a low income family I can sympathise, it won't help for this trip but in future can you afford to put just a little away each month for school surprises like this?
It helped us during primary and senior school and we never had to feel like we couldn't afford it.

EduCated · 06/07/2017 17:07

Even if it had been a trip where it wouldn't be known until later who would be going, there could have been prior warning that the trip would take place and that if selected, £X would be needed by X date.

user1498726699 · 06/07/2017 17:08

Cost to get into place is £12. Located 20 min away.

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AugustRose · 06/07/2017 17:08

Meant to add the school normally give 3 weeks notice for that one but the primary school often sents out trip letters with just over a week to go.

Blossomdeary · 06/07/2017 17:08

Have a quiet word with the teacher and say you want DC to go, but will have to spread the load when it comes to the money. Schools have contingency funds to cover this sort of thing - often PSA raised funds. Hopefully this will make them think a bit before dropping this on parents out of the blue next time.

Emeraude · 06/07/2017 17:11

Yes. We don't charge for any trips and I would be embarrassed about giving only a week's notice for even those as parents seem to like a bit of panic time.

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