§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance he has issued to schools and local education authorities on making parents aware of assistance available(a) to cover the cost of school trips and (b) to help provide school uniforms; and if he will make a statement. [143488]
§ Mr. Charles Clarke[holding answer 11 December 2003]: Detailed guidance for LEAs and schools on charging for school trips is contained in Circular 2/89. The same information is reproduced in the School Governors' Guides to the Law, which are revised and reissued annually. In March 2003 we sent out a letter to all Chief Education Officers and Directors of Education explaining how remission of charges for school trips would work once child tax credits were introduced. This letter is posted on The Parent Centre website.
All LEAs and schools must have a charging policy in place, which is readily available to parents. In addition, when schools make charges, or request money, they must explain whether parents are being asked to pay for a specific activity or make a general contribution to school funds. Schools must also be clear whether or not contributions are voluntary.
837WWe do not provide guidance to LEAs on the assistance they may provide to parents on meeting the cost of school uniforms. LEAs may delegate this work to schools, but must ensure that all their schools adopt a consistent approach.