School trips costs- What can I do?

[TwinklySquid]

My child goes to a really lovely small local school but it is in quite deprived area. The school tries to arrange things like trips but they obviously have a cost. The school doesn’t pay for those who can’t afford to go.

Im not well off by any means but can afford to pay for my child to go on these trips. There are a few children in my child’s class who can’t afford to go on these trips , one being my child’s best friend.

This trip is to see Santa and it breaks my heart that there are some kids who won’t go for money. I have in the past paid for an extra place for a child but it looks like the school just absorbed that . I have thought about offering to pay for the other child but I don’t want to offend the parents. I don’t know what I could do to help.

i am annoyed at the school for doing these trips knowing that some kids can’t afford them.

Im not sure the point of this post but advice on what you can/ have done.

How do you know the reason for them not going is because they can't afford it? Who told you that?

I’ve had conversations where it’s clear money is an issue. Some kids have broken or not weather appropriate clothing. I can’t be too specific just in case they ever came across this post.

Don't the school have some money set aside for those who are struggling?? Could thee PTA help?? Seems v unfair otherwise

It's a really difficult situation as obviously some children will be able to go and done not. It is lovely of you to offer to pay. Assuming the school gets pupil premium funding but maybe they are saving that for academic support.

Don't the school subsidise fsm kids?

The school seems really out of touch to be holding non educational trips like seeing santa in this financial climate.
Why don't they hire a santa to come in?
You sound really kind, if I were you I'd mention to the school about the appropriateness of such trips when people are clearly struggling.

Our school charges slightly extra/uses pta donations to ensure everyone gets a place.

You could contact the school, mention no names but say you would like to cover the cost of someone attending in case a family can't afford it

I don't think the answer is for schools to never offer trips, as particularly in disadvantaged communities, these are very important. Those who can't pay the full contribution are unlikely to be able to afford to do this stuff outside of school either.

Schools are not allowed to exclude non payers and all contributions should be voluntary. It's just that trips can be cancelled if the costs can't be covered. So schools do need to be mindful of what they're asking for, and that it's not too often etc.

I both pay extra for any trip to help cover the costs of those who can't or don't pay the full amount, and also work hard as part of the pta to raise funds to subsidise trips for each class equally through the year, because I really want these trips to go ahead and not be cancelled.