16 children not going on year 6 residential

[Restorer]

Out of a year group of 40ish.

School doesn't know "reasons" for them not going, but it's likely IMO that most is down to cost. Some will be because they/their parents didn't want to be away from home.

The yr6 teacher, who will be at school with the 16, is planning activities for the week. She feels sad that these children are missing out on "experiences" and wants to do something everyday for the week. So far has arranged for them to go swimming at the local comp (free) a day at an outdoor activity centre (£32 each, plus transport) bowling (£5?)and a session at the local Wildlife Trust reserve (£4.50 plus transport)

The parents haven't been told anything about this yet, but AIBU to think that if you'd had to say no to residential because of the (£230) cost, you'd be annoyed/upset at the request for money for all these activities while the others were away?

The teacher means well and I support entirely the desire to provide experiences and fun for these children who are missing out, but I don't think she has any idea just how much £50 is to some families.

If you agree, do you have any ideas for ways to provide fun and experiences more cheaply?

[ryanboy]

The more I think about jamdonut post the more I feel riled why should parents prioritise paying for a school trip they didn't ask for (or want) and the kid is ambivalent about?

[Jinty64]

We are in Scotland and the contribution is not voluntary. If you want your child to go you pay. No other activities are arranged for the children who are not going, until now they have joined another class although often a class of littlies to make it more fun. This year, I believe, one of the job share teachers is not going on the trip and will teach the children who are staying behind.

We had decided not to send ds1 on the residential trip as he has ADHD and no additional help in school. We were unsure they could safely meet his needs, he is young for his age and young for year and requires medication. In the end, with help, he went but he would have joined another class if he had not.

I'm sure, in a case of real hardship and a child desperate to go, something could be arranged but I have never heard any mention of it and I have had a child at the school for 13 years.

[SirChenjin]

Jinty - I'm very glad you said that, I was beginning to think I'd imagined the non-voluntary aspect. We've been in the nursery/primary school/high school system now for 13 years and it's always been the case that if you don't pay you don't go, and alternative lessons are provided.