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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that 8 days warning for a school trip is not enough?

17 replies

muggglewump · 28/04/2008 16:15

I've said it before, I'm a single Mum on benefits blah blah, but that means even before I get each weeks money it's spent. I sort out what's going where to make sure we have enough and it's all budgeted for.
I get a letter today telling me of DD's trip next Tuesday (I get my money on a Wednesday) and it's £8 with no more than £2 spending money. Of course I'll give her the £2 so as she's not left out, plus I'll send her with a decent packed lunch but surely a couple of weeks warning at least would be more reasonable?
I've posted recently on the Primary school board about this new head who although great, seems to have no understanding of people on low incomes whereas the last one did

OP posts:
goingfor3 · 28/04/2008 16:17

As it's such short notice it's reasonable to tell the school you can not afford to pay the whole amount in one go and ask if they will make an arragement for paying for you. I know that they need to money to pay for the trip but if most people pay on time I don't imagine it will be a problem for them.

tissy · 28/04/2008 16:17

YANBU

My dd's school arranges parents' evenings/ shows/ sports days etc at very short notice, and I have great difficulty arranging time of work. I'm not the only working Mum, but it sometimes feels like it!

hanaflower · 28/04/2008 16:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CarGirl · 28/04/2008 16:20

these payments for school trips are voluntary contributions, the school is not permitted to charge your child for going. This time I would send a note in to the school stating that this time due to the short notice you are not able to contribute towards the cost of the trip.

Original poster
muggglewump · 28/04/2008 16:30

It says on the letter that is the cost though? Is it really voluntary?
I don't want to be the one that makes a fuss or can't afford it though either. Pathetic I know and I will be either writing to, or asking to speak to the head about him not understanding this but I really don't want DD to have the cheap Mum who complains.

OP posts:
Littlefish · 28/04/2008 16:35

£8.00 might be the cost to the school, but yes, it really is voluntary.

CarGirl · 28/04/2008 16:38

Yes if you are in England/Wales it is voluntary. That's why I think you should write and explain that you have a very tight budget and provided you are given plenty of notice you manage to save up and make the full contribution but on this occasion the notice is far too short etc.

You could state that you will make a contribution at a later date and ask whatever trips/contributions they are expecting this term and next academic year.

I think it will make a better point to the head about the amount of trips they are having, how much they cost plus some parents really can't afford them.

good luck.

Original poster
muggglewump · 28/04/2008 16:43

I'm in Scotland.
I can afford it it with some re-juggling (lentil soup anyone?) I just think that it's very short notice and I'm begining to think that this new head has no concern for people on small budgets.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 28/04/2008 16:46

I don't know about scotland check with your central gov dept. Perhaps send in half now with a letter explaining when you can afford the next installment, or £2 per week for 4 weeks?

Original poster
muggglewump · 28/04/2008 17:01

I can't bring myself to do that as I doubt anyone else will, I'm just annoyed that it's at such short notice.
I don't want DD to stand out, with the moany Mum.
I won't let it go though and I will be speaking to the head but not about the trip, I'll wait till afterwards.
I hate being skint

OP posts:
islandofsodor · 28/04/2008 22:58

I agree with the advice already given.

On a different point though with regards to the packed lunch. Does your dd get free school meals? if so I thought they were obliged to provide a meal regardless which could be a packed lunch.

islandofsodor · 28/04/2008 23:00

Yes, I thought so. The school is obliged to provie a packed lunch if your dd gets free school meals.

Alambil · 29/04/2008 00:29

You won't stand out - no-one else will know. Send a letter to the head in confidence and it will remain in confidence

I hate being skint too and DS is the only one in his class that gets free school meals I think; no-one else knows that this is the case though as the school is bound by confidentiality

2sugarsagain · 29/04/2008 06:35

MW, please don't take this the wrong way, but could I help you out for this school trip? Don't think I'm catable, but if you don't think I'm being horribly rude I could leave my email addy.

Get writing that letter!

FairyMum · 29/04/2008 07:02

yes, leave your email address and I am sure other posters will contact you and help you out

Original poster
muggglewump · 30/04/2008 16:20

I've just spoken to the head.
I've said I will pay in full but I told him where I stand and that this is not on for parents on a budget. He apologised and will do his best (whatever that means) next time.
I'm not entirely convinced but at least I spoke up.

Thanks for the offers of help and sorry I didn't respond. I am very grateful but I feel it's up to me to sort it out. I'm too independent/proud/stupid for my own good at times

OP posts:
lizziemun · 30/04/2008 17:16

Do your dc school take suggestions on things happening at school.

I only ask as dd school now after a parent suggestion we get a dairy sheet of all the things planed for the next few months.

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