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Original poster

Mandatory school trip

93 replies

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:27

Just a quick question

Should parents have to pay for a mandatory school trip that all children must attend?

OP posts:

AngelinaGrimke · 27/01/2020 09:29

I don't think there's such a thing as a mandatory school trip, is there?

MildDrPepperAddiction · 27/01/2020 09:31

If there is no option not to attend I'd be inclined to think school/organiser should pay.

Original poster

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:33

Yes one of my children's class are going to a museum, they sent a letter stating all children must attend and we must pay for them to go

OP posts:

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General education

Inforthelonghaul · 27/01/2020 09:33

And if you don’t?

Todaythiscouldbe · 27/01/2020 09:35

You can only be asked for a contribution, payment can't be a condition of attending a trip during school hours.
Is there a reason you don't want your child to go?

measelsmumpsandweasels · 27/01/2020 09:35

Can you not afford it or is this your fight the man opportunity? If you need help with costs ask about a hardship fund.

Original poster

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:36

I'm not sure what happens if I dont, I'm thinking of going into the school and questioning it but wanted to get some opinions on it to see if people agree or if I'm being unreasonable.

OP posts:

saraclara · 27/01/2020 09:37

No, you can't be forced to pay for a trip that is part of the curriculum.

Original poster

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:38

I can afford it I just think on principle they shouldn't be charging for it if it's part of the curriculum, there will be people on the other hand who cant afford it

OP posts:

ShowMeYourMuffins · 27/01/2020 09:38

Google 'charging for school activities 2018'. Tells you everything you need to know. The school is probably breaking the law.

Pinkflipflop85 · 27/01/2020 09:38

They cant force a child to go on a trip and they cant force you to pay for it.

We've run numerous trips where parents dont want their children to attend (usually when it involves using the tube). The children who dont attend spend the day in another class.

BikeRunSki · 27/01/2020 09:39

If it’s part of the curriculum you shouldn’t pay.
If it’s fun -eg; the panto trip DD’s school does every year - then yes.

Original poster

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:39

I'm happy for my child to go, I'm happy to pay for it I'm just wondering if its reasonable to charge for something they are saying is mandatory

OP posts:

TeacupDrama · 27/01/2020 09:40

All education must be free, so if mandatory at a state school in UK it must be free, they can ask for £x donation per child, but it can't be compulsory, neither can they in any way name and shame those that either can't or won't pay. Often trips rely on parents paying so it is said that unless people can pay it will be cancelled
If they take them swimming in school hours as part of curriculum they can't make paying for bus mandatory or exclude a child whose parents can't or even won't pay. However if it is something like an outdoor centre for 4 nights they may want everyone to go and pay but you can't be made to send your child and pay, if payment is required attendance is voluntary I know schools are strapped for cash but that is the law which may be different to expediency, it can't be mandatory to attend outside school hours

Hoppinggreen · 27/01/2020 09:41

If you are happy for your child to go and happy to pay for it just do so and find something better to be outraged about

dognamedspot · 27/01/2020 09:41

This is easy - they can't force anyone to pay. As noted above - read this and then take it up with the school www.gov.uk/government/publications/charging-for-school-activities

Clymene · 27/01/2020 09:43

No they can't force anyone to pay but educational trips are good for kids and if you cam pay, you should. Morally I mean.

Schools are run on an absolute shoestring.

user1493494961 · 27/01/2020 09:43

Just pay up, then there will be more money for those that will struggle to pay. Fight another battle.

Wolfiefan · 27/01/2020 09:45

I agree with Clymene. Schools have really tight budgets. The alternative is that students don’t ever go on any trips.

Original poster

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:45

Hoppinggreen - oh I'm sorry am I not allowed to ask a question to see how others feel about it?? To see if it's right that they are charging?

OP posts:

Original poster

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:47

That's fine, if the budget is tight I will happily pay, I was literally just asking a question. I'm not outraged in the slightest just curious as to whether this is the done thing in schools. Its literally not a problem I just wanted some opinions, I have no idea about school budgets etc

OP posts:

inwood · 27/01/2020 09:48

Our school always words it as 'there is a voluntary contribution of £xxx for this trip, without it we may not be able to go ahead'.

It has never been mandatory and I would be very surprised to see it called that.

karencantobe · 27/01/2020 09:52

They can't make you pay. But if parents who can afford don't pay, they will just cancel it.

MaxPaddyandHarry · 27/01/2020 09:52

You can't be forced to pay, just asked for a voluntary contribution. However, when the same happened to my Dil (compulsory trip, you must pay) the school were extremely unpleasant. They made her have an interview with the chair of Governors, who said she fully supported the Head. DS had recently lost his job and they couldn't afford it but the school said their policy was that only people on certain benefits were allowed to go free. It was so recent that they hadn't received any benefits. They told Dil she must pay before the child left the school.
They were in the wrong (and showed no compassion). We had advice from various headteachers to back us up too.
The school the sibling was at were completely different and said they had a special fund for cases like that and not to worry at all.
In their case they couldn't, rather than wouldn't pay.
Good luck OP.

Original poster

WolfOfOdin · 27/01/2020 09:52

The wording of the letter says "this is a curriculum based trip" then underlined and in bold "all children must attend"

But I've got the answers I was looking for and will happily pay if it means maybe those that cant afford it will not have to, its not a problem.

OP posts:

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