What happens when you really can't afford to pay for a school trip?

[memoo]

DS's class is going on a 3 day trip to France. The school are asking for £290! There is no way we can afford this at all but would pay as much as we could.

I feel so bad for DS Can't bare the thought of him being left behind.

Does anyone know what happens in this circumstances? Would the school really leave him out?

DH (a teacher) says at his school for educational trips i.e. to a museum for £25 the funds are found. However big trips rarely have high level uptake so exclusion isn't part of the equation and funds aren't available.

IF everyone is going I would write a letter explaining you cant pay. I doubt you'll be the only one and I would be very surprised if they dont help. Just tell them how much you can afford.

I can't imagine that the whole class will go so DC won't be left out. If the trip is educational and in term time then the school cannot exclude your child because of cost. If the trip is in the holidays then they do not have to assist. If too may parents say that they can't afford it then the trip won't happen.

I know nothing baout this so cant advise but wanted to reitterate that you wont be the only one so no feeling guilty ok?

I hope it al works out and your son has a great time.

How long do you have to save up?

My DS1 is going on a trip which has cost £140 but they gave us lots of notice. We paid £40 at the evening about it as a deposit and then £25 a month for the next four months.

It does sound like a lof of money per person.

It may have been offered to the whole class but lots wont go, overseas trips are offered at high school level but lots of children dont go for various reasons.

Its highly unlikely to be funded but you may have the option to pay in instalments as a few months notice is usually given.

How many pupils are in his whole year group?

I can't see the school funding or subsidising such a big trip, if it were a day trip or a required part of the curriculum it would be different. But as others say, your son is VERY unlikely to be the only one left behind.
The school must have encountered this many times- can you have a chat with DS's form teacher and see what they say?

Back in the day when I didn't go on a similar top primary trip, I had a fantastic week at school. 4 kids and a keen supply teacher, we went on local trips, did cooking and hands on science experiments etc I think I enjoyed it more than I would have done the french trip ( I loathed french)

Is this in term time or not?
Is it mid week or is it at the week end?

There are guidelines over what can and cannot be charged for. If a residential activity takes place largely during school time, meets the requirements of the syllabus for a public examination, or is to do with the national curriculum or religious
education, no charge may be made either for the education or for the cost of travel.
However, charges can be made for board and lodging in these circumstances, except for
pupils whose parents are receiving:
? Income Support;
? Income-based Jobseeker?s Allowance;
? support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;
? Child Tax Credit (providing that they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and
have an annual income, assessed by Her Majesty?s Revenue and Customs, that
does not exceed £16,040 for the year 2009?10);
? the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit; and
? an income-related employment and support allowance (this benefit was introduced
on 27 October 2008).

The headteacher should advise all parents of the right to claim free activities if they are receiving these benefits.