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Can I insist on my child going on a school trip if I am unable to pay the 'voluntary contribution'?

by fodigie 27 January 2012 |

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My son's school have organised a class trip to visit a museum in London so that the children can enhance their learning.
They plan to travel by coach and have asked for £15 as a 'voluntary contribution' towards the coach travel and entrance fee.
Unfortunately, I am unable to afford this but would very much like my son to go on the trip.
Can I reasonably expect the school to take him without contributing?

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MikeGG1 posted
It sounds as though this is part of the curriculum so they probably can't exclude him.

Can you afford anything towards it? If so, make an offer. It would be better for him if he didn't appear not to be making a contribution. The other children don't have to know that it is a reduced payment.

Mike
Posted on 27 January 2012 | Love 0 loves Report
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Mrs C posted
I know that this sort of situation was often a problem at my daughter's school. Obviously I can't comment on the attitude of your child's school but if it were me, I would speak to them honestly about the situation, say that you would struggle to afford the whole £15.00 but that you can make a contribution of "X" amount. Alternatively, you could offer to pay, say, a fiver a month over three months. I know that it is a "voluntary contribution" but I personally feel that you ought to make an effort to contribute, however small. Our school was very sympathetic in situations like this and I know of one parent who was given a year to settle the cost of one particularly expensive school trip because she had twins. There are so many people in difficulty at the moment and I would hope that your child's school would be mindful of that and try to be flexible in this regard. Good luck, I hope the trip goes well!
Posted on 30 January 2012 | Love 0 loves Report
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DPMoney posted
I am a Governor at a local school and sadly too many parents use the term "voluntary" as an excuse to not pay towards these trips, although I am not saying that you necessarily fall into this category Fodigie. Schools have had their budgets massively reduced and are struggling as much as any in these awful economic times.

Our school too is sympathetic to parents who are honest and forthcoming and I agree with the other responses that if you show willing to make a contribution, they will support you and your son 100%. The school knows which parents are sincere and which ones use this as an excuse to kick up a fuss for the sake of it and sadly there are more of the latter time and time again.

Good luck
Posted on 09 February 2012 | Love 0 loves Report

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