In general, no charge can be made for admitting pupils to maintained schools. Where education is provided wholly or mainly during school hour, it should be free.
It is therefore not possible to levy a compulsory charge for transport or admission costs for swimming lessons or for visits to museums, etc. during school hours.
The LEA or governing body may not charge for anything unless they have drawn up a statement of general policy on charging. The governing body’s policy may be more or less generous than the LEA’s as long as it meets the requirements of the law.
Voluntary Contributions
Parents and carers of pupils at Carleton Endowed CE Primary School may be asked for a voluntary contribution toward the cost of:
- Any activity which takes place during school hours which incur additional costs
- School equipment
- School funds generally
The contribution must be genuinely voluntary though, and the pupils of parents who are unable or unwilling to contribute will not be discriminated against or made to feel embarrassed.
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.
Residential Trips
Parents and carers of pupils at Carleton Endowed CE Primary School will be asked to contribute towards the cost of board and lodging for residential trips, except for parents who receive:
- Pupil Premium as part of FSM (Free School Meals)
- Disability Living Allowance for a disabled child
Instrumental Music Lessons
Charges will be made for instrumental music tuition given by the peripatetic music teachers through the County Music Scheme.