Charging & Remissions

New Forest School reserves the right to make a charge in the following circumstances for activities organised by the school:

• Certain aspects of residential visits, eg. board and lodging
• Charges in kind, ie. the cost of materials for cooking, sewing, pottery, etc.

Nothing in this policy statement precludes New Forest School from inviting parents to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of educational activities of the pupils. Some planned activities may not proceed if insufficient contributions are received. No child will be excluded from participating in activities that do proceed.

New Forest School will make every effort to give financial assistance to families who are experiencing hardship. When arranging a chargeable activity, New Forest School will invite parents in confidence to apply for the remission of charges, in part or in full. Authorisation of remission will be made by the Headteacher.

Voluntary contributions may be sought for additional activities. These will include educational visits, visits to schools by music and drama groups and other costs for residential trips, (including transport and entry fees).
If voluntary contributions are requested, it will be clearly stated that:

• There is no obligation to contribute
• Registered pupils of the school will not be excluded from activities if their parents are unable or unwilling to contribute.

Parents will be asked if they are willing to make a voluntary contribution for a given activity. If contributions are sufficient to enable a firm booking to be made, the activity will proceed. Parents will also have the right to withdraw their voluntary contribution before the booking has been made.