School "Fund"

[winnertakesitall]

We've just had our weekly letter back from the school. This week it is stating that they would appreciate payment "as soon as possible" for the school fund (state). The amount is variable depending on the year of the child, ranging from £20-£40. There is no mention of it being voluntary.

I will be paying, and agree that it is important and probably very necessary. But, the wording has irked me a bit- as there will be parents who may find this money hard to find immediately. There is no mention of what to do if you can't pay.

Do I raise it with the school that this fund is voluntary and therefore it should be stated as such in the letter (think there is a PTA type meeting coming up), or do I keep my head down and mouth shut as it doesn't actually effect me?

I thought it had to state it was an cite if you would like to contribute. I have 2dc - is it per child? One if my friends had 5DC ?!?

Doesn't make it very clear- reads like it is per child to be honest.

Sorry that should read - if it was state school it should say it's voluntary. Having said that we pay £7.50 a term towards craft / cooking materials and snack etc Not all pay and they don't chase people

I would be appalled if asked to pay this. I would complain.

Not because of any difficulty paying. But because of the principle.

we have never been asked for school fund money. What is it for exactly?

Says it's for cooking, trips etc. For me it's easier to pay now, then to be asked again during the year, but I'm more irked that the way it's phrased makes out it's compulsory, when (like doodledot) I thought it was voluntary.

My sons senior school we pay a school fund fee of £19 a year. I have no idea what for as we provide all stationary and equipment and if he has cooking we send in the ingredients.

Oops pressed post by mistake.

I would question if it is voluntary. Let them
Know you have paid but maybe it would be an idea to make it clear if it's voluntary or compulsory.

So you are not going to be asked to pay for any trips?

In that case " is good going. I suppose it depends on how many trips your child goes on, but I bet I spend £50 at year on school day trips per child.

I'm willing to bet you will still be asked for a contribution towards trips through the year.

I would still complain.

Correction: In that case £20 is good going

Our state school has a suggested voluntary donation of £200 per year.

Another state secondary nearby asks for £10 per year.

I'd love to see the accounts to see how this money is spent.

Our PTA also charge a membership fee

Oh and within the first week we were asked for £15 (voluntary) for design technology materials. And we have to take in our own ingredients for food. There will prob be a voluntary charge for textiles too...

(Think £20 is for the nursery who don't go on trips!!) I don't doubt even at the top end that it is probably value for money- they do a lot!

It's more that there is no mention of the voluntary nature, or what to do if you can't pay. I'd hate to think that there are other new parents who may be really worrying right about now- especially as there is no 'come and see us if this is difficult for you' type statement in there.

Wow... a PTA membership! That really is something!