Charging and Remissions Policy
Introduction
Definition
Responsibilities
Policy Statement
Optional Activities Outside of the School Day
Education Partly During the School Day
Residentials
Calculating Charges
Music Tuition
Eligible Benefits
Introduction
The purpose of the policy is to ensure that there is clarity over those items which the school will provide free of charge and for those items where there may be a charge.The policy has been informed by DfES guidance. Back to top
Definition
The school day is defined as: 8.50am-12.15pm and 1.15pm-3.15pm. The lunchtime break does not form part of the school day. Back to topResponsibilities
The headteacher will ensure that staff are familiar with, and correctly apply, the policy.The governors will review the policy annually. Back to top
Policy Statement
During the school day all activities that are a necessary part of the National Curriculum will be provided free of charge. This includes any materials, equipment and transport to take pupils between the school and the activity. It excludes charges made for teaching an individual pupil or groups of up to four pupils to play a musical instrument. Unless the teaching is an essential part of the National Curriculum, the school will make a charge.Voluntary contributions will be sought for activities during the school day which entail additional costs, for example educational visits, or visits to school by non-school based organisations, for example artists or theatre groups. In these circumstances no pupil will be prevented from participating because his/her parents/carers cannot or will not make a contribution. If insufficient funds are available, it may be necessary to curtail or cancel activities. Back to top
Optional Activities Outside of the School Day
We may charge for optional, extra activities provided outside of the school day, for example tag rugby, materials for art club. Such activities are not part of the National Curriculum or religious education. Back to topEducation Partly During the School Day
If a non-residential activity happens partly inside the school day and partly outside of it, there will be no charge if most of the time spent on the activity falls within the school day. Conversely, if the larger proportion of time falls outside of the normal school day, charges will be made. When such activities are arranged parents will be told how the charges were calculated. Back to topResidentials
Charges will be made for board and lodging. For those pupils whose parents receive Income Support or Family Credit the board and lodging costs of a residential visit will be remitted if the activity takes place during school hours or if the activity takes place outside school hours but is necessary to fulfil statutory duties relating to the National Curriculum or Religious Education. Back to topCalculating Charges
When charges are made for an activity, whether during or outside of a school day, they will be based on the actual costs incurred, divided by the total number of pupils participating. There will be no levy on those who pay to support those who can?t or won?t. Support for cases of hardship will come from money that is allocated from the school budget and through voluntary contributions and fundraising.Parents who would qualify for support are those in receipt of eligible benefits.
The principles of best value will be applied when planning activities that incur costs to the school and/or charges to parents/carers. Back to top
Music Tuition
In cases of hardship the governors will consider in their absolute discretion the remission of fees (either in full or in part) for those pupils who they consider will benefit from such tuition. Back to topEligible Benefits
Income SupportIncome-based Jobseeker?s Allowance
Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Child Tax Credit (providing not also receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, assessed by the Inland Revenue, that does not exceed £13,230) Back to top