Penalty for not doing parent help

[MrsGWay]

At my daughter's pre-school we are expected to volunteer to help out every half term. If you can't then you are sent a bill for £10 to pay for extra staff cover. A week ago I signed a form saying that I understand that as it is a funded place it is free at the point of delivery, so are they allowed to fine me? My younger daughter is still breastfeeding on demand btw.

I think if I were you I would phone OFSTED and ask their opinion?!

0300 123 4666, if you want to make a complaint or have a concern about any service Ofsted inspects or regulates (8.00am to 6.00pm)

I think that is the best line..

it is very normal for pre schools to charge extra on top of the funding they get from the government, at my dd preschool the funding only just covers staff and hall hire, so all materials etc have to come from fundraising and we're asked for money each term, also each family is expected to go in one session each half term and provide and prepare the snack for all the children.
The funding is a set amount and so the place is not 'free at the point of delivery' but very heavily subsidised.

I agree about top up fees, but this does seem unusual to say the least as it is not fair. I would check your terms and conditions and speak to ofsted for advice.

our preschool used to operate a system like this, we ditched it last year as we felt it was unfair to working parents.

Preschools are at liberty to do this though, it seems to be all up front (which was an issue with our situation) and you know where you stand.

They are subsidised, not funded completely.

Thanks for the replies. I will ask the Treasurer at pre-school what she thinks as I'm confused as to why they can do it. I have used this factsheet for information as it for fully funded sessions.