Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear information about charging and voluntary contributions for activities relating to Bishop Luffa School. We follow the West Sussex policy for charging for school activities that mirrors the information given in the Department for Education’s advice document published in May 2018 – ‘Charging for school activities’. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charging-for-school-activities
Voluntary contributions
No compulsory charge will be made for any activity which takes place during school hours. Any contribution is entirely voluntary and the students of parents and carers who are unable or unwilling to contribute are not discriminated against. However, where there are not enough voluntary contributions to make the activity possible, and there is no way to make up the shortfall, then the activity will be cancelled.
All letters regarding school activities will state that contributions are voluntary. If any parents or carers have any financial difficulty they will be invited to talk to the school and an agreed arrangement will be sought. No child will be prevented from taking part as a result of their parents’ or carers' financial situation. However letters will make it clear that the activity may not run if sufficient voluntary contributions are not made.
Residential trips
Special rules apply for residential activities
a) In School Hours
If a residential activity takes place largely during school time (50% or more of the whole time spent on the activity occurs within schools hours), it meets the requirements of the syllabus for a public examination or is to do with the national curriculum or religious education, no charge will be made either for the education or for the cost of travel. However, charges not exceeding the actual cost for the individual student will be made for board and lodging. Voluntary contributions (as above) will be requested.
Children whose parents are in receipt of support payments of:
- Universal Credit in prescribed circumstances
- Income Support (IS)
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
- 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 (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) does not exceed £16,190 (financial year 2013/14)
- the guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- an income related employment and support allowance that was introduced on 27 October 2008
will be entitled to remission of these board and lodging charges as the pupil will qualify for free school meals and the school will receive Pupil Premium funding to support the education of the child.
b) Outside School Hours
An activity is deemed to take place out of school hours if 50% or more of the whole time spent on the activity occurs out of school hours. In this case, and for a residential trip, this will be considered as an ‘optional extra’ and a charge will be levied which includes an appropriate element for travel costs, board and lodging costs, materials and other equipment, non-teaching costs and teaching staff costs. This charge will not exceed the actual cost of the provision.
Parents and carers of students in receipt of Pupil Premium funding will be asked to make an appropriate contribution towards board and lodgings.
Music tuition
There will be no charge for music tuition if the teaching is an essential part of either the national curriculum or a public examination syllabus. For other music tuition charges will be made to cover the cost of that tuition. Financial support will be given to Pupil Premium students. No charge will be made in respect of a student who is looked after by the local authority.
Design and Technology products
It is entirely appropriate for the Design and Technology Faculty to charge for, or require the supply of, ingredients and materials if students wish to own the finished product.
The Board of Governors will review this policy every three years, and as necessary due to any changes in legislation.
Reviewed by the Curriculum and Progress Committee, with delegated authority from the Board of Governors, 23rd February 2021