To not pay the whole "voluntary contribution" amount?

[smokinaces]

DS1 has come home with a letter about a trip to the seaside with the school. Its in the school day, if they dont go they have to go to Yr1 or Yr2 with work (he's in foundation) and bless him he was really upset as he thought he wouldnt be able to go as its £12.

AIBU to send in a contribution of £5 with his permission slip? I'm a low income, single working parent and £12 ontop of other various things like school photos is a bit of a push for me. It says voluntary contribution, but I understand trips cant happen without help - am I BU to send in £5 with a note explaining?

Out of interest, would it be thought of as patronising to send more than the voluntary amount if you can afford it? Would a school put the excess into the trips fund? Can schools claim gift aid? I mean the LEA, normal schools. (only have a toddler so nowhere near these conundrums for real yet)

YANBU! It's a voluntary contribution and they can't exclude anyone if they don't pay. In fact I think the school is being unreasonable having a trip that costs £12! We avoiding going over £6 or £7 and we are a typical "middle class" area. As a teacher I HATE the idea of a child missing out because of money and I'm sure your school will feel the same.

OP - you are not being unreasonable in the slightest. If you feel bad about it I am sure the school would be delighted if you could offer some help, ie, washing uniform for 2nd hand sales, helping out at book day, etc., doing a bit extra for summer fairs, offering to make tea for parents' evening. They almost certainly will be able to help with the cost whether you can help or not.

Lexilicious - yes schools do do gift aid, yes you can pay extra but it's better to make a donation separately.

I think its fine to send in £5 with a note explaining why. If they dont get enough money in to cover it the trip might not be able to go ahead though-I know my school has no hardship fund or similar, all of the money must be raised through contributions.

I work in secondary so it may be a bit different, but I make it clear to all my pupils that I never want one of them to not come on a trip because they are worried about money. Our deputy head keeps a pot of money that heads of department can ask for in order to fund trips for pupils who otherwise wouldn't be able to. I teach drama so we also keep all the takings from the door of the smaller shows we do for the same purpose. Pupils just need to have a quiet word with me and I ensure they come with us. My bet is that if you send £5 with a nice note to the teacher asking if that will be sufficient then they will (should!) find a way to make up the shortfall. No other parents need ever know that you didn't pay the full amount.

Lexilicious, our school isn't allowed to make a profit on trips, but I bet if you (hypothetically!) asked whether you could donate xx amount to help fund pupils who couldn't afford to go on a trip then there'd be some way to add it to a budget. And the school would love you!!

OP, you sound lovely and I am sure the school will be delighted to help out such a dedicated parent and doubtless lovely little boy as well :) x

Thanks guys

I feel guilty as I am going to the meet this saturday - that cost me £15. But I paid that out a few weeks back - and since then have paid £600 out on car repairs so am tighter.

Just spoke to my mum, and said I will send £5 this week (school photo of £11 is due this week too) and then £5 nearer the time. She is a teacher at a different local school and said that should be fine.

They want volunteers to go on the trip too - and DS1 has asked me to go. Have arranged that DS2 can go to my mum, and I have a CRB check so fingers crossed I can go too (they are asking for volunteers) and pay in helping hands

I pay what I can, when I can. Sometimes I can meet costs, sometimes I can only do so much. That's all any family who dances the financial tightrope can do. You're doing the right thing. I hope your wee one enjoys the trip :)