Charging and Remissions
Charging and Remissions Policy (September 2025)
Introduction and Legal Framework
This policy has been written in accordance with the Education Act 1996 (Sections 449–462), the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, and the Department for Education (DfE) guidance 'Charging for school activities' (October 2023). It also reflects the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that no pupil is discriminated against due to their background or financial circumstances.
As a maintained school, Sutton Manor Community Primary School provides free education for all pupils during normal school hours. We are committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with financial regulations in the management of charges and remissions.
General Principles
• All education during school hours is free of charge.
• Voluntary contributions may be requested for some activities to enhance learning (e.g. trips, visits).
No pupil will be excluded from an activity if their parents are unwilling or unable to contribute, but activities may be cancelled if voluntary contributions are insufficient.
Activities Where Charges May Apply
Charges may be made in the following areas, in line with the Education Act 1996:
• Residential visits: for board and lodging costs
• Music tuition: for individual or small group tuition not part of the National Curriculum.
• Extended services: childcare provision (breakfast, after-school, holiday clubs).
• Optional extras: activities outside of school hours, non-curricular trips, or clubs run by external providers.
Remissions
The school will remit charges for board and lodging on residential visits for pupils eligible for Free School Meals or Pupil Premium, in accordance with the Education Act 1996 and DfE guidance. The school may also provide additional support to ensure equality of access, subject to available funding.
Refunds
Refunds will be managed in line with financial regulations, the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and Local Authority audit requirements. Refunds will normally be made to the original payer via the method of payment used.
A. Full refunds will be issued when:
• The school cancels a trip, visit, or activity.
• An item purchased is faulty, not as described, or does not fulfil its intended purpose.
• A balance remains on a child’s account (refunded on request).
B. Partial refunds may be issued when:
• A parent/carer withdraws their child from a trip or activity before the payment deadline, less any costs already incurred.
• A parent/carer withdraws their child after the payment deadline and some recoverable funds remain, subject to supplier terms or insurance claims.
C. Refunds will not be issued when:
• A child is withdrawn after the deadline and the school has already committed funds that cannot be recovered.
• The school has notified families that a trip or part of a trip is non-refundable.
• A child is withdrawn due to behaviour or non-attendance at a paid-for club.
• Cancellation of extended services is made without 48 hours’ notice.
• The initial payment was made directly to a third party provider.
Payments and Financial Procedures
• Payments to the school are made via the School Spider App.
• Payments for school dinners are made directly to St Helens Catering Services via School Grid.
• All income is recorded and reconciled in line with Local Authority financial regulations and subject to audit.
• Refunds are processed promptly and recorded in financial accounts to ensure transparency.
Monitoring and Review
The Governing Body monitors the implementation of this policy. It is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to legislation or DfE guidance.
Extended Services Pricing
The following charges apply to extended services provided by Sutton Manor Community Primary School. These are reviewed annually and published on the school website.
Breakfast Club
07:45–08:45 childcare: £3
08:15–08:45: Free
After-school club
15:20–18:00: £7
15:20–16:30: £3
Tinies Provision and Day Care
09:00–12:00: £10
12:00–12:40: £6 (lunch option)
12:40–15:00: £15 without lunch
12:00–15:00: £20 with lunch
* Unless eligible for funded places
Trips and Visits
Voluntary contributions are requested. Contributions are subsidised by school funding and PTFA fundraising. The contribution is decided on a trip-by-trip basis.