Charging Policy
Newtown C.E. (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School
Governor's Policy on Charging for School Activities
Newtown Primary School is committed to providing all the children of the school with a range of first hand experiences. Indeed, our school aims represent this fact very strongly. As such, we provide a range of trips associated with work in each class and year group as well as longer residential trips.
Wherever possible, we seek to make local visits and make use of the vast wealth of local history and geography. This enables us where possible, to avoid the use of a coach that adds dramatically to the cost of a visit.
Teachers review their programme of visits on an annual basis to ensure maximum educational value. The school will also respond to visits that become available due to a special event or similar.
The commitment of staff in organising, arranging and giving up their own time in many instances is second to none and should be noted. It marks this school out from others very strongly. The Headteacher actively seeks out opportunities for pupils to benefit from activities for which there is no cost.
Historically, the school has been very well supported by parents making voluntary contributions which have allowed school to offer a diverse and varied programme.
The programme of residential visits now consist of:
- A two night stay to the New Forest (Minstead) in Year 4. (£55 approx)
- A four night stay at Stubbington Study Centre for Year 5 (£120 approx)
- A four night stay at Stone Farm in Devon (£140 approx)
Voluntary contributions will be asked from parents to take part in educational visits, residential trips or attending performances by Theatre, music or dance groups in school.
School will subsidise any day visit which costs more than £8.00 and has an allocated budget for subsidising other trips that cost less when the Headteacher deems appropriate. Letters from teachers will give parents the choice to contribute to either the full cost of the trip or the subsidised one.
The Headteacher will make clear the importance that the school attaches to such opportunities before a child joins the school. The expectation will be that parents support the school.
For longer residential trips payments will be made in 2/3 instalments as appropriate. Letters to parents will indicate that other payment possibilities will be offered if this proves problematical.
All money, with the exception of deposits, will be refunded in cases of illness when a child is unable to participate. Other unforeseen circumstances will be at the discretion of the Headteacher. It should be noted that no refund would be offered for behavioural issues.
After School Club (ASC) and Breakfast Club (BC)
Children participating in ASC/BC sessions will be charged for all sessions booked. This is a charge rather than a voluntary contribution and no subsidies will be offered by school in any circumstances. No refunds can be provided as ASC/BC are self-financing and have pre-booked staffing costs.
Payments are required in advance for all sessions booked. A maximum of two weeks deficit in exceptional circumstances may be allowed by prior agreement only. Failure to make payment in this time limit will result in a place being withdrawn.
This policy was agreed by Governors in February 2004
This policy will be reviewed and updated with costings in February 2005