How Schools In England Are Compelling Parents To Contribute Financially?

Recently,it was reported that around 100 schools across England are compelling parents,and in some cases demanding,that they make significant financial contributions to the school budgets. The research notes that this is possibly a breach of law.

Are Donations Compulsory?

According to the findings of the British Humanist Association (BHA), most of these schools were state faith schools. Although all schools across England have permission to ask voluntary donations from the parents of students, but they must be clear on the fact that financial contribution is not an obligation. The government recently said that all claims related to rules being breached will be thoroughly examined. The report stated that schools may seek voluntary contributions, however they need to clarify to all parents that “there is absolutely no obligation for them to pay.”

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A spokesman for the Department for Education said “The School Admissions Code is clear that schools must not request financial contributions - whether voluntary or compulsory - as any part of the admissions process, including when offering a place.” The researchers at BHA conducted a basic web search to in order to identify probable breaches of such rules. Later, they also carried out detailed analysis of the initial 100 schools that were identified. The researchers claimed that faith schools primarily dominated the list and most of them are needed to “pay a share of building maintenance costs”.

Contributing To School Funds

One Church of England primary, which is currently highlighted by the British Humanist Association, requests parents for a yearly payment which is known as the “Building Fund/Capitation for parents.” It stated “This is not a voluntary contribution but it is a payment all Church of England schools require to maintain the school buildings and classrooms.” Another Catholic primary school states “We will be asking all who have not contributed to the Building Fund yet for their contribution and writing to them at the beginning of next half term.” A different school justifies that “as a voluntary aided school, parents of the pupils... are responsible for contributing 10% towards all building works,” before asking for £100 to each family.

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Several schools also claimed that the requested financial contribution was a minimum amount, which are not necessarily voluntary. The schools also explained that it is a way to motivate families to support their kids' education who can afford to pay more. A different school said that parents must make financial contributions to the school fund by utilising the money they were able to save by receiving free school meals.

An Outrageous Demand

Andrew Copson, chief executive at BHA, said “It is simply outrageous that state-funded schools are demanding money from parents in this way. What's incredibly worrying is that there are evidently many more schools doing this than the 100 we found in our analysis, so we'll certainly be writing to the government to alert them to the extent of the problem.”

Paul Barber, director of the Catholic Education Service, said “We expect all Catholic schools to follow the Department for Education guidance on voluntary contributions. Parents are welcome to contribute towards their child's school and this is money spent on improving the quality of education provided.”

A spokesperson for Church of England said “The admissions code is very clear about financial contributions playing no part in the admissions process and our expectation is that all schools adhere to the code.”

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Article source - bbc.in/1QF8tli