Introduction
The Governing Body recognises and supports the valuable contribution that a range of additional activities such as trips, music tuition and residential experiences make towards pupils' education and development. The school wishes the curriculum to be enriched as far as possible to the benefit of all pupils. Where these additional activities fall outside the school hours or do not form an integral part of the school curriculum, the school is permitted to make charges for these additional activities. Without these charges it would not be possible to undertake many activities.
This policy identifies the categories of charge that the school will make and the circumstances under which those categories will apply. It also outlines any remissions that will be made.
Charging Categories
a) Full Cost
Activities that are not an integral part of the school curriculum and do not take place within school hours or for which the school is specifically permitted to charge (i.e. there are no school funds/budget identified to support these activities), will be charged at full cost. This charge will include any materials required to undertake the activity. For example the board and lodgings elements of residential trips will normally be charged at full cost.
b) Voluntary Contribution
No compulsory charge can be made for activities that take place in school hours to enrich the curriculum even if they are not an integral part of the curriculum. For these activities a request will be made for voluntary contributions towards the additional costs of the activity, however no individual child will be excluded from these activities because of contribution. If the level of contributions received together with any available school funds/budget is insufficient to meet the cost of the activity, the activity will not take place. For example voluntary contributions may be requested for school trips to cover the cost of transport, entrance fees and other expenses.
Loss and Damage to School Property
A charge will be made for replacement of school property that is lost or damaged beyond reasonable repair. For example a charge may be made for school library and home loan books that are lost or damaged.
Remissions
In order to remove financial barriers from disadvantaged pupils, the governing body may agree 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.
The Academy will receive Pupil Premium for children whose parents are in receipt of the following: