The Price of Free Schooling
By Sandy_Bottom | Monday, January 25, 2010, 21:49
I have just been to a meeting at my child's primary school to see what parents think about next year's residential trip.
The year 5 and 6 children usually go on a trip to South Devon every other year to stay in a B&B and visit Devon's attractions. The last time that school ran the trip it was under £200 for five days. Now, mainly due to the price of diesel the price has gone up to nearer £300!
Children get a great deal out of residential trips and my children have loved them - but it really is a struggle financially. I know that parents can opt for their children to not go on the trip but that is such a difficult decision to make when all the child's friends are going.
Then when they get to secondary school there's more to be spent. As well as the trips abroad there is bus fare, dinner money etc etc.
I don't think I ever anticipated that free schooling would be so expensive!
Comments
I agree it is a struggle to pay for all the add-ons for school.
I find the trips the most expensive thing too - however they really are worth it. It's a great chance for children to experience new things with their peers.
When I was at school we didn't go on residentials as a rule. We had our day out in the Summer term and in the secondary school they offered ski trips and cruises but it wasn't like a great percentage of children who would go.
By Nonnie_Mouse at 12:03 on 26/01/10
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