Private companies running classes in state schools, DD can't go because we are poor, AIBU to complain??

[PollyPeppa]

We are below the poverty line as we have 3 DC's and DH and I are full time uni students. We worked in low paid jobs and decided enough was enough and are now hoping to get better ones after university.

DD's school had just started up after school Spanish club. We sent her along to the trial session and she loved it. We had foolishly assumed there would be a concessionary rate (as there usually is with after school clubs) but there is not as it is run by a private company so we can't afford for her to go again.

I feel this is very unfair to offer this as only children whose parents can afford to send them can go, I think it creates a divide in the 'state' system.

[MMQC]

As a school governor, I would say that as a rule schools do not charge for the use of their premises for these kinds of after-school clubs, as they are a benefit for the children. But they are companies running the courses, not charities. Their aim is to make money. If you can't afford it, bad luck, but you can't expect those who are better off to subsidise you still further than you are, no doubt, already being subsidised.

[wordfactory]

Sorry but if it's a private enterpise outside school hours then they're entitled to charge...just like after school care or residential trips away.

[Malcontentinthemiddle]

I'd like to distance myself from any posters saying things about your choice to have a low income, or not having children until you can afford them, by the way.

My point is this: you're not unreasonable to mind, you're possibly not unreasonable to think as a wider point that private companies shouldn't use state premises (although I would make the counter argument that this is one way schools can and do make revenue to spend on all the kids there).... but I do think you'd be unreasonable to complain, given that I don't think anyone has done anything here that isn't fairly normal practice.

[PollyPeppa]

I think it's devisive.

The reason it bothers me is because it is through the state school, owning ponies & foreign holidays is not.

[LEMONAIDE]

I appreciate how you feel but really its just a valuable lesson they need to learn - you cant afford everything in life you want. I couldnt go on the school cruise when I was at comprehensive, whilst I was gutted at the time it really didnt spoil my life.

If she is really keen to learn spanish there are some GREAT books with DVDs/CDs on Amazon which are really affordable - perhaps you could learn together?

[SheCutOffTheirTails]

I hate this attitude that private companies should be given access to school premises and students but still allowed to act entirely to maximise profits.

If they don't have any public service element to their business, then let them teach their classes on private property.

In a school setting, all children should have equal access.

YANBU

[wordfactory]

Yes but crazy there is a level playing field at the op's school - her DC can attend for free and all the DC there will have the same education.

But outside school is ebtirely different.

[ripstheirthroatoutliveupstairs]

YABU but I can understand what you mean.
DD really wants to do rugby and gymnastics. To do one would be £35 a term, two would be £80. I can' t afford either so she'd doing gardening and netball.
OP, can you get a Spanish course out of the library. I know it isn't ideal but easier than me trying to set up asymetric bars in our kitchen.

[LtEveDallas]

I think the point is that is isn't being offered 'through school' or as part of the curriculum, it's just something that happens to be held on school premises, rather than in a church hall or similar.

DD's school runs: Mon Karate, Tue Piano, Wed Ballet/Tap, Thu Spanish and Fri Karate. They are all private companies paying to use the school premises to run their clubs. On Saturdays and Sundays you can hire the school hall and kitchenette for birthday parties. All these services are payable and raise funds for the school that then benefits ALL the pupils.

Yes they may advertise them at school, flyers or noticeboards etc, but it isn't a school service. That isn't unfair, it's just the way of the world - there will always be people that can afford more than you, and there will always be people that can afford less than you, sorry.

[PollyPeppa]

It's £70 for 9 weeks

[wordfactory]

shecut persumable it will allow far more children to access the clas if it is in school directly after school. If parents have to collect and then take DC to class elsehwere, far fewer could access it. You just make it more elite.

[Malcontentinthemiddle]

The one that really does piss me off is the bloody book fairs, which I have complained about.

They're in school time, the kids get taken round them in the afternoon to see what they want, and then they all rush out at 3,15 shouting 'can we go to the book fair can we go to the book fair'..... and inevitably there are lots of parents saying no, and lots of tears, especially from the little ones.

Now that I do think is wrong. But apart from netball clubs and so on which are run by teachers, we do almost always have to pay for out-of-school activities.

[QuickLookBusy]

As your DD enjoyed the taster session so much, I would ask the school if there is any way she can attend.

They often have funds raised by PTA etc that are for this very thing. Have a word with her Head of Year.

[AitchTwoOh]

i think people are being tough on you, OP. imo if it's a private company, it shoudl run its classes on private property.

[IrmaMuthafucker]

I can't make up my mind on this one. I help organise activities and classes for pregnant and new mums on behalf of a charity and one of the key requirements is accessibility for all. That means we offer concessionary rates on any chargeable activity (which tends to be first aid classes in the main). So I think any activities at a state school should be arranged on a similar basis.

That said Spanish lessons are not essential so I don't think you can demand a concessionary rate as a right.

Actually now I've thought about it yabu. Don't all state schools offer music lessons during school hours that have to be paid for? Learning the violin or flute is not a right and neither are Spanish lessons. Sorry.

[LtEveDallas]

But allowing private companies on site the school raises funds to give ALL pupils extras that they could not afford otherwise - so should the school lose this income just because not everyone can afford to attend these classes...let those who can afford it pay the money and your DC benefit in other areas.

[Iteotwawki]

I d

[OpinionatedMum]

YANBU

It's divisive. Offering it via the school excludes pupils who can't pay. If kids have expensive hobbies outside school that's completly different as it is not excluding anyone from a pre existing group (the class).

School clubs for the middle class pupils only. Wrong.

[Mishy1234]

YANBU. It's hard to say no to your child when they see others able to attend.

I would have a chat with the school and see if there's anything they can do. They can only say no.

We have a situation in one of our activities (pre-schooler though, so not quite the same) where one of the families lost their income for a while due to redundancy. Luckily we became aware and all paid a little more per class for a while so the child and her mum could still attend (we discussed it with her and she was happy for us to do it). This system has continued (they can now afford to pay) and the money is being kept aside to be used in similar circumstances should they arise for someone else.

[tyler80]

Where is all this "private property" that's available and suitable for these lessons? I used to go to Brownies, it was held in a school hall, should I not have had to pay? It makes sense for the school to make money hiring out the rooms which are not needed beyond the end of the school day. The fact a class is held on school premises is immaterial if it's outside of school hours.Where is all this "private property" that's available and suitable for these lessons? I used to go to Brownies, it was held in a school hall, should I not have had to pay? It makes sense for the school to make money hiring out the rooms which are not needed beyond the end of the school day. The fact a class is held on school premises is immaterial if it's outside of school hours.

[SheCutOffTheirTails]

The school should not be raising money in way that creates divisions between pupils based on the wealth of their families.

Either find a way to raise the money fairly, or do without the money.

[Iteotwawki]

I don't see the difference between a private company offering lessons in something and a private individual offering music tuition. Peripatetic teachers always charged for lessons at my state school - and they were run on school premises during school hours!

If people couldn't afford the lessons, they didn't have them.

In this case the club isn't even in school hours, it's after. It isn't compulsory to attend so you are being unreasonable.

[kat2504]

I'm afraid that because the activity is outside of school hours, it doesn't have to be subsidised at all. If it is a company like Jolie Ronde or something, they are a private company who are just hiring a room in the school for their business, just like Weight Watchers often hire school halls or drama classes. It isn't the same as if the school teachers make up a Netball club or something - that should be available to all. But you can't expect freebies from a private company.

I sympathise that it is frustrating if her friends can afford to go and you feel she is left out. I don't agree that it creates a divide in the state system though. If you go with that argument, schools should not be allowed to let their premises to Saturday drama schools or gym clubs or even Brownies. Most of which take place in school halls.

[Cretaceous]

I object far more to the school offering free music lessons to children in years 3 and 4, because it looks good for Ofsted. They learn almost nothing in these short lessons, and can't even take the instrument home. However, by then they are hooked, and want further lessons.

These then cost £125 a term!!! Sadly, if you child shows a talent, you then feel obliged to continue them...

Also the afterschool clubs that take over an assembly to tell you how wonderful they are, so the children come out enthused and begging you to attend the club.

Afterschool Spanish doesn't really come in that category. It's a nice extra, but I doubt they'll actually learn much Spanish.

[Whatmeworry]

It's £70 for 9 weeks

YANBU to feel upset, but YABU to feel they should subsidise you. Running these clubs on school property means they are cheaper to run and easily accessible to more people than otherwise.

Could you not save £6 a week somewhere else then, or let her do a paper round or something to earn extra money?