Charging Policy

The Governing Body reserves the right to make a charge in the following circumstances allowed by the Act:

• The provision of music tuition given to children as individuals or in groups, except where it is to fulfil statutory duties relating to the National Curriculum or requirements specified in the syllabus for a public exam
• Ingredients and materials for cooking, Art, Craft, Design & Technology activities. Materials will be charged for (or parents will be required to supply these) if they have indicated in advance a wish to own the finished product.
• Activities which take place outside school hours and which are not a statutory part of the National Curriculum e.g. outings, visits, sports coaching, cycling courses.
• Trips and activities during the school day (through a voluntary contribution)
• Activities which involve children in nights away from home will include chargesfor board, lodging and travel costs. Families in receipt of the benefits may be considered for financial support by the governing body. 

When organising school trips or visits which enrich the curriculum and educational experiences of the children, the school invites parents to contribute to the cost of the trip. All contributions are voluntary, however should we not receive sufficient contributions to make the trip viable, it might be cancelled. If a trip goes ahead, it will include children whose parents have not paid any contribution. If a parent wishes their child to take part in a school trip or event, but is unwilling or unable to make a voluntary contribution, we do allow the child to participate fully in the trip or activity. The school will provide a breakdown of how trips and activities are funded should this be required.

In cases of wilful damage, breakage or loss of equipment on loan to children, the Headteacher, in consultation with the Chair of the Finance Committee may decide to make a charge. Each incident will be dealt with on its own merit and at their discretion.

Our residential activities take place largely during school time and as such no charge will be made for the education element of the trip. Expressions of interest are sought prior to the visit in order to determine whether or not it will go ahead. This includes a breakdown of the costs involved. Parents of children involved in residential visits will be charged for board and lodging and will be asked for a voluntary contribution towards any other costs involved. Parents in receipt of free school meals will be exempt from paying, in such cases the school will use pupil premium entitlement to pay for the cost of board and lodging, however some of our parents may make an individual decision to contribute.

All children study music as part of the school curriculum for which there is no charge. A charge is made for individual or group music tuition if this is not part of the National curriculum. Peripatetic music teachers teach individual or small group lessons. We make a charge for these lessons. Contributions towards these lessons for those parents in receipt of state benefits are given at the discretion of the Headteacher and Governing Body and within the limitations of the school budget. We give parents information about additional music tuition prior to the start of each academic year.

The school organises swimming lessons for all children in Years 3 – 6. These take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. The school undertakes to cover the cost of the pool hire, coaching costs and transport. 

Private Photocopying/Telephone Calls The Governors have agreed that, under normal circumstances, no charge will be made for these services. Should a large number of copies or calls be required for personal use, permission will be sought from the Headteacher and a donation will be charged to cover costs.

Income from Sales

Some goods will be sold through the school with the intention of making a small profit and this often takes the form of commission. Goods include; Book Fair sales and school photographs.

Income from Donations

Occasionally, the school will seek voluntary donations from events such as non-uniform days, sponsorship etc. The purpose for which the donation will be used is explained clearly to parents and visitors.

Income from Lettings

The Finance Committee review annually and set charges for the use of school premises. These costs are laid down in the School Letting Policy and include caretaking, insurance and energy costs. The school does not charge the FoGP for use of the school for fund-raising activities.