AIBU to send this email to the school

[NotSuchASmugMarriedNow]

this one here

"Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I have today received a letter from XXXXXXXXXXXXX requesting a voluntary payment of £12 for Product Design.

Unfortunately my current financial situation does not allow me to make any voluntary payments at this time, nor can I see this situation changing in the near future. Although I am not on any means tested benefits, I am on minimum wage and I am sure that you will appreciate how difficult it is for many parents to continue to make voluntary payments in the days of rising prices.

I am sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Regards"

the above is true by the way, do you think this is ok to send? We can't just not pay, we have to contact the finance office so i thought i'd send this.

I wish our school were as cheap as these

The smallest "voluntary contribution" so far has been £10. So far the total for the year sonce sept for 2 kids on the table I'm keeping is showing £220.

and I havent even added the stuff they have asked for the past 30 days!

ive just pay 10 quid for a trip my sons going on nxt week ,hes 5

I seem to remember having to pay for stuff we did in practical subjects (apart from cooking where we had to provide all the ingredients). And I went to school in the dark ages!

DS is doing food tech GCSE at his state school. They provide all the ingredients and we have never been asked to make a contribution to the cost. I don't think you should feel bad about not paying and I would keep explanations to a minimum - it's not their business. Certainly don't offer to pay in installments.