Cost of school trips

[welshmercury]

Hi. My son school has just rang me to tell me to pay the voluntary contribution for the school trip.

Are they allowed to do this?
it is a last minute school trip with only 3 weeks notice to pay £30. I asked about part payments but that’s not accepted. It’s all or nothing.

it was a very awkward conversation as I said I can’t afford it all in one go.

the guidance says trip is cancelled if not enough voluntary contributions but I feel being ordered to pay is against the rules. Does anyone know about secondary as at primary if they didn’t pay then the trip either got cancelled if not enough or school/PTA made up shortfall. Much more notice was given and part payments accepted.

Well if you can't pay you can't pay, but don't be surprised if schools don't run the trips. The trips aren't free, schools have no money. The government made that law but didn't give schools any money to implement this voluntary contribution system, yet penalise them during Ofsted visits of there's not enough trips.

Is it an essential curriculum trip? If so, I think they have to let your DC go.

My DC's school makes most trips optional and offers and onsite alternative for those who can't or choose not to pay. (there is some provision for Pupil Premium children).

She does it have to be paid by? Can you save it over the next three weeks?

Curriculum trips cannot be charged for - but if school doesn't have the money, it won't go ahead.

We use PP funding for students entitled to PP

@welshmercury Your school should have a charging and remissions policy. I suggest you read it. The curriculum must be delivered. Either on the trip or in the classroom. You do not pay for teaching. On a trip or in the classroom. On a trip you pay for the coach and other chargeable items.

Your school should give you notice of trips. Preferably at the beginning of each school year with approximate costs. They should offer stage payments.

If Dc does not go, the curriculum must still be delivered. If Dc get PP, this could be diverted to pay if the school has a policy for this. Some schools will cut trips if parents don’t pay the chargeable part. If too many cannot or won’t pay, it stops the trips for all. I would have further dialogue with the school because the notice period should be much longer and stage payments possible. Ask about pp
if Dc gets it.

Part of the problem with the governments Ill thought out plan is that it's not just those that can't afford that don't pay.

Could you pay £10 contribution?

Our school says they can only fund a certain amount towards a trip and if they don't get enough contributions from parents they will be cancelled.

They won't take some kids and leave some behind, it's the whole class or not atall.

Some parents genuinely can't afford it especially in one go. I do think that if schools give a few months notice and accept instalments it should be manageable. I've never been asked to pay more than £20 for a trip or an experience, so over 4/5 months that shouldn't be an issue for most parents.

I've heard some parents in the the playground over the years getting stroppy about payment reminders for trips and even laughing between themselves that they never pay. Apparently they always get away with it if enough parents do pay and their kid won't be left behind if they don't pay. Parents that always have the latest trainers, flashy cars and designer gear I might add. Twats. It takes away the support available to those genuinely struggling to make ends meet.