07. What do I have to pay for at school?

Education must be free at all state- maintained schools and in other educational organisations that the local education authority pays for (for example, pupil-referral units and some nursery schools).

Schools and local education authorities can charge you for some things. But they can't force you to pay, unless these things are in their 'charging policy'. The school or local education authority should give you a copy of this policy if you ask for it.

Schools may charge you for:

• some teaching of musical instruments;
• out-of-school activities that are 'optional extras' and not a part of the national curriculum or religious education; and
• any food and accommodation on school visits where children stay overnight. (If you receive Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, you should not have to pay for this.)

A school may ask you to help pay for activities that take place during school hours, but your child cannot be left out if you do not pay.

If you receive Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, your child should receive free school meals. All other children must pay, but the price is set locally.

Many local education authorities give small amounts of money to help families pay for school uniforms. However, there is no law to say they must do this.

The local education authority normally gives free transport to and from school only if your child lives further than the legal walking distance from their nearest suitable school.

Even if you live within the legal walking distance, the local education authority might still give your child free transport. So if you think your child needs free transport, write to the local education authority to explain why and ask for a copy of its transport policy.