St. Joseph s RC Primary Charging and Remissions Policy
At St Joseph s we are committed to a free school education for all We aim to:- Ensure that activities offered wholly or mainly during normal school time should be available to all pupils, regardless of their parents ability or willingness to help meet the cost. Ensure that there is no statutory requirement to charge for any form of education but the school has the discretion to charge for optional activities provided wholly or mainly out of school hours. Ensure that the school has the right to invite voluntary contributions for the benefit of the school or in support of activities by the school, whether during or outside school hours. Introduction The education that we provide during school hours will normally be free of charge. Voluntary Contributions When organising school trips or visits to enrich the curriculum and the educational experiences of the children, the school will ask parents to contribute towards costs. All contributions are voluntary. The school subsidises the costs of visits and activities through the school budget. If we do not receive sufficient voluntary contributions, we may cancel a visit or activity. If a visit or activity goes ahead, it may include children whose parents have not made any contribution. We do not treat these children any differently.
The following is a list of additional activities, organised by the school, which may require voluntary contributions from parents. This list is not exhaustive. Outdoor/adventurous activities Weekly swimming sessions Musical events Sporting events In the EYFS, parents are invited to make a voluntary weekly contribution to support the purchase of additional resources, such as supplies for baking. Parents are informed about the utilisation of these contributions. Funds raised from donations or fundraising events are held in a private school account and are used to contribute towards enrichment activities, residentials and Governor liabilities. Residential Visits The school organises residential visits for KS2 children. A charge will be made to cover costs of transport, board and lodging. Arrangements are always offered for parents to make contributions over several months. Subsidies may be provided through the school budget and/or Pupil Premium for children in receipt of free school meals or looked after children. These visits or activities will not proceed where full costs are not met by all those who wish to partake in the activity. Music Tuition All children study music as part of the curriculum. We do not charge for this. There may be a charge for small group tuition since this is an additional curriculum activity. These lessons are taught by peripatetic music teachers. Tees Valley Music makes a charge for these lessons. We give parents information regarding additional music tuition as opportunities arise.
Sporting Activities The school is committed to providing swimming sessions for children in KS1 and KS2. Those children who attend weekly are asked to make a contribution towards transport costs. If children are chosen to represent the school in sporting tournaments, the school pays for entry fees and transport. Children attending the Catholic Cup will be asked to contribute towards the cost of transport. All entry fees will be paid by the school. Representing the School If children are chosen to represent the school in any other capacity eg School Council, Eco Committee the school pays for costs such as transport. Extra Curricular Activities Breakfast Club The school makes a small charge for those who attend. It is open from 7.30am. 2 Year Old Provision There is a charge for each session where parents are not entitled to free provision. Applications for free places should be made to Redcar and Cleveland LA. Wraparound Care Care is offered to FS1 morning children. A charge is made for each session attended. After School Clubs School offers a wide range of activities. A small charge is made for each club. The true cost of after school provision is subsidised from the school budget. Transport Parents of children who come to school by LA or community transport are liable for costs.
Other Costs The school may make a charge for any breakages and damage to property including window breakage and cost of graffiti removal. Remissions The Governing Body may wish to remit in full or in part the cost of other activities for particular groups of parents, for example in the case of family hardship. When arranging a chargeable activity such parents will be invited in confidence for the remission of charges in full or in part. Authorisation for such remission will be made by the Headteacher in consultation with the Chair of Governors. The policy will be reviewed every 2 years, or earlier if required, by the Leadership and Resources Committee.