activities that are only done in school time and that schools cannot charge for books! can anyone tell me where i stand as my son didnt take money in to pay for a sketchpad the art dept said he had to have and so was given detention until i paid for it? and what if i cant afford to pay for the educational day trips they take also-please only serious answers
2006-11-13 05:22:51 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
You are quite right - schools cannot charge for any educational trip (taken in school time and used to support curriculum delivery) or equipment (similarly required to fulfil the National Curriculum)
Across the country schools are openly flouting this - but it is clearly stated in DfES guidance.
Make an appointment with your son's Head as this is quite clearly WRONG!!
2006-11-13 23:29:51 · answer #1 · answered by Safety First 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is indeed true that schools cannot charge for books, text books that is as these are usually provided within the school's budget. I am assuming your son goes to secondary school in which case has he taken art as an option? If so these are probably specialist papers he will need for coursework. As for the detention, I find it hard to believe he would have received one for not paying for a book, more than likely he hasn't handed work in that should be done or had a few warnings regarding it. You really must ring the school and ask to speak to his head of year, they are generally the person more clued up about your son. The trips are usually by choice, some schools have a small budget for parents that cannot afford to pay and usually the trips are subsidised anyway. Any problms that make you unhappy should always be resolved with the school who are usually happy to allay any of your fears. You will get a lot further if you are calm and polite too.
2006-11-13 07:37:01 · answer #2 · answered by caroline c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is he in public or private school? What state or country do you live in? Either way I don't think you should have to pay for his sketchpad...BUT, is art a required class or an extra activity that he signed up for? If he signed up for it, the the school doesn't pay and you do. As far as the day trips go, no you shouldn't have to pay for them. But if you can't afford to pay for them then your son won't be able to go on the trips. Every school that I have been involved with has other options for students that can't afford a field trip, or don't get the permission slip signed. Like staying at school and helping other teachers with the younger students. Or watching movies, going to the school library, things like that. If it is extra like a field trip or not a required class you will probably have to end up paying the cost. I would call the school and ask if art is required. If it is then inform them that you won't be paying for things they should provide. Also find out if they have other options when it comes to the field trips.
2006-11-13 06:14:24 · answer #3 · answered by sunnychick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A school can not charge you for the sketch pad neede for a class. The detention is also violating your son's rights. Try with the education board/authority first and maybe some legal advise...some lawyers do free initial meetings.
2006-11-13 05:48:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The school should have some kind of funding to help parents who genuinely can't afford to pay for day trips as the money they ask for is actually only donations.
2006-11-13 05:34:48 · answer #5 · answered by clairelou_lane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they charged for it because things like sketch pads and school field trips are supplemental. They could always just show pictures of drawings or monuments and whatever but instead they try to give the students hands on experience. However, because nobody likes high property taxes, they tend to vote no when the school asks for more money to pay for things like supplemental supplies and activities. Sounds like you want to have your cake and eat it, too. You can either give the school district enough money in taxes to take care of it and not have to pay out of pocket, or you can vote no against school bonds and keep your tax money but have to pay for supplementals out of pocket. You can't have it both ways.
2006-11-13 07:04:41 · answer #6 · answered by Dee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most schools ask for donations and I have never heard of a child having detention till a book was paid for, I wouldnt of allowed my child to do the detention.
2006-11-13 05:25:52 · answer #7 · answered by scragette2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DETENTION FOR NOT PAYING FOR A SKETCHPAD ? SIR ? I WOULD SERIOUSLY HAVE A TALK WITH THAT SCHOOL ! PUNISHING YOUR SON / DAUGHTER FOR SOMETHING THAT'S BEYOND THEIR CONTROL AND IS EXTREMELY UNFAIR TO THE STUDENT.
AS FOR EDUCATIONAL DAY TRIPS, PARENTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THEM, SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION AND EITHER APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM SOCIAL SERVICES (WELFARE) OR EASTER SEALS, OR EVEN THE SCHOOL CAN APPLY TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR AN EXEMPTION ON TRIP FEES.
2006-11-13 11:42:44 · answer #8 · answered by Steven H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wrote an essay on this subject for my teacher training and I am a law graduate. The following piece of legislation forbids the charges made against your son
Education Act 1996 (Part VI, Chapter III), This applies to the UK
2006-11-13 05:42:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whenever I get a letter about some materials than need to be paid for, the school state the price and end it with "A donation would be appreciated", this probably asks you in a nice way for the full amount, but never detention! I would speak to the Headteacher about this!
To me, this is humiliating for the pupil!
2006-11-13 05:30:16 · answer #10 · answered by Welshchick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋