Charging and Remissions Policy 

This policy outlines the procedures in both Criftins CE Primary School and Cockshutt CE Primary School.  

We have attempted to make our policy as clear as possible but if anyone has any questions please approach the Executive Head teacher or Administration staff.  

Introduction 

All education during school hours is free. We do not charge for any activity undertaken as part of the National Curriculum with the exception of individual or group music tuition.  The Governors have discussed and agreed that parents should be asked to contribute voluntarily towards the cost of activities which could otherwise not take place, e.g. educational day visits and additional workshops held in school.  The costs incurred are for transport, entry and other third party fees, and insurance. 

We aim to keep costs are kept to a minimum, as the schools have very active PTAs who provide financial support for many educational visits and visitors.  

Currently visits are likely to cost between £5 and £15, with KS2 week long residential visits costing between £250 and £300.  We offer the opportunity to take part in one residential visit throughout KS2, but if a pupil does not wish to participate we respect that decision..  Some after school activities such as sports clubs have charges and they range from £3 to £5 per pupil per session.  School can financially support some individuals if required. Pupils in receipt of Pupil Premium Grant can have residential visits subsidised to ensure that each child can access all opportunities on offer for them regardless of cost. 

Voluntary contributions 

When organising school trips or visits which enrich the curriculum and educational experience of the children, the school invites parents to contribute to the cost of the trip. All contributions are voluntary. If we do not receive sufficient voluntary contributions, we may cancel a trip. If a trip goes ahead, it may include children whose parents have not paid any contribution. In keeping with our values all participants are treated equally. 

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. Occasionally the school pays additional costs in order to support the visit.  Parents have a right to know how each trip is funded. The school provides this information on written request. 

School continues to enrich the curriculum through some additional in school experiences for children without asking for parental contributions. Governors are committed to raising aspirations for all pupils.  

Residential visits 

If the school organises a residential visit in school time or mainly school time, which is to provide education directly related to the National Curriculum, we do not make any charge for the education.   However, we do make a charge to cover the costs of board, lodging and travel expenses.  If parents are experiencing financial difficulty, they are invited to write in confidence to the Executive Head teacher.   

Music tuition 

All children study music as part of the school curriculum. There is a charge for individual or group music tuition if this is in addition to what the school offers as part of the curriculum. The visiting music teachers teach individual or small group lessons. The Shropshire Music teachers make a charge for these lessons.  If parents are experiencing financial difficulty, they are invited to write in confidence to the Executive Headteacher.   We give parents information about additional music tuition at the start of each term. 

Swimming 

The school organises swimming lessons for all children in Key Stage 1 and 2. These take place in school time.  We make no charge for this activity. We inform parents when these lessons are to take place, and we ask parents for their written permission for their child to take part in swimming lessons.  A voluntary payment for transportation is requested to cover travel expenses to and from the swimming pool. 

Pupils who receive FSM and benefit from the pupil premium grant 

The Pupil Premium Grant is dedicated to support the education of pupils who are in receipt of FSM, Looked After Children, Post – LAC and Service Children. The school uses this grant to offset extra charges e.g. residential visits, travel expenses to attend activities, 1:1 tuition, extra in class support etc.  This grant is used to close the educational gap between pupils who are disadvantaged and their peers, this can include the development of social skills through the wider curriculum. Please see the Pupil Premium section of the school website for further information.  

Reviewed by the Governing Body November 2023