Charging and Remissions
Philosophy
We recognise the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities, including trips, clubs and residential experiences can make towards pupils’ education. We aim to promote and provide such activities as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the school and as additional optional activities. We believe that all our pupils should have an equal opportunity to benefit from school activities and visits (curricular and extra-curricular) independent of their parents’/carers’ financial means. This policy describes how we will do our best to ensure a good range of visits and activities is offered and, at the same time, try to minimise the financial barriers which may prevent some pupils taking full advantage of the opportunities.
Roles and responsibilities of Headteacher and Governors.
The Headteacher and Governors will ensure that the following applies: All statutory education during school hours is free. Higher Openshaw Community School will not charge for any activity undertaken as part of the National Curriculum, with the exception of extra individual or group activities that may be charged by outside agencies.
Voluntary Contributions
(i.)When organising school trips or visits which enrich the curriculum and educational experience of the children, Higher Openshaw Community School invites parents and carers to contribute to the cost of the trip. All contributions are voluntary, but if we do not receive sufficient voluntary contributions, we would be forced to consider the cancellation of a trip. If a trip goes ahead, it may include children whose parents have not paid any contribution. We do not treat these children differently from any others.
(ii.) If a parent wishes their child to take part in a school trip or event, but is genuinely unable to make a voluntary contribution, we do allow the child to participate fully in the trip or activity. In circumstances of genuine need, the school may pay some additional costs in order to support the visit. The school’s budget is a finite one, so any money used for subsidy in this respect must be taken from other areas of planned spending within the budget.
(iii.) The following is a list of some additional activities organised by the school, which will in some instances require voluntary contributions from parents/carers. These activities are known as ‘optional extras’. This list is not exhaustive: some external provider after-school clubs (eg Spanish) sporting activities which require transport expenses outdoor and residential/adventure activities visits to the theatre or museums school trips and musical events
Residential Visits
If the school organises a residential visit in school time or mainly school time (eg. Year 6 Trip ), which is to provide education directly related to the National Curriculum, we do not make any charge for the education aspect of the trip. However, we do make a charge to cover the costs of board, lodging and travel expenses. If parents/carers are in receipt of certain benefits they may be able to receive a reduction in the cost of this activity, please see information below under ‘Families qualifying for remission or help with charges’.
Music Tuition
All children study music as part of the normal school curriculum, and a tutor is commissioned for this activity. We do not charge for this. There may be a charge for individual or group music tuition if this is not part of the National Curriculum, as peripatetic music teachers charge for these lessons.
Swimming
The school organises swimming lessons for children in Key Stage 2 at present this is offered to children in Year 4. These lessons take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. We make no charge for this activity.
Breakfast and learning Club
On school days we offer a breakfast club from 8am to 8.40am. This club is staffed by nonteaching staff and due to staffing costs and resources we do charge for this club. At Present the cost is £2.00 per pupil per day
Families qualifying for remission or help with charges In order to remove financial barriers from disadvantaged pupils, the governing body has agreed that some activities and visits where charges can legally be made will be offered at no charge or a reduced charge to parents/carers in particular circumstances.
This remissions policy sets out the circumstances in which charges will be waived or offered at a reduced cost.
Criteria for qualification for remission are given below.
Parents/carers in receipt of
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit, provided that Working Tax Credit is not also received and the family’s income does not exceed £16,040 (as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs)
• Guaranteed State Pension
There are also occasions where parents approach school because they may be struggling financially. The ethos of school is to support families during these times. This includes ensuring they are accessing all financial support they are entitled to but could also include the reduction or waver of school related costs for a temporary period such as dinner money, breakfast club, trips and school uniform.
Monitoring and Review
This policy is monitored by the Governing Body, and will be reviewed yearly.