Fees and Remissions (Charging Policy)

Sections 449-462 of the Education Act 1996 set out the law on charging for school activities in schools maintained by local authorities in England.

Amongst other things, we do not charge for:

·         Education provided during school hours (including the supply of any materials, books, instruments or            other equipment.)

·         Tuition for pupils learning to play musical instruments if the tuition is required as part of the National        Curriculum.

·         Swimming as this is part of the National Curriculum.

We do charge for:

·         Any materials, books, instruments, or equipment, where the child’s parent wishes him / her to own              them.

·         Music and vocal tuition outside the requirements of the National Curriculum.

·         Optional extras including before and after-school clubs (because this is education provided outside of              school time that is not part of the National Curriculum.)

Voluntary contributions

We do ask parents / carers to contribute towards specific school activities (usually a class trip, residential or to pay for a visitor to school) or for the benefit of the school generally. No child is excluded from an activity simply because his or her parents / carers are unable or unwilling to pay. A portion of our Pupil Premium funding is set aside to support identified children to access visits, residentials, music lessons etc. However, if insufficient voluntary contributions are raised to fund an activity, then it will be cancelled. Often, the school pays additional costs in order to support planned visits and events.