How do you set a budget for kids?

saubryn

I don't understand why they don't spread the cost a bit? Its been 10 years since I left school, almost, but back then they would send out a letter for any major expense and say 'This expense will be happening in x months time, you can either choose not to participate, pay in installments, or pay by 'date x months away'.

Any other expenses (school meals, H.E class costs) were laid out for the year ahead at X amount per week, or you could bring your own ingredients.

The only stinger was excursions day - it was a class vote on where to go, so if the majority picked an expensive destination, then the few that couldn't afford it ended up embarrased when they had to pick another class to join on a cheaper trip.

HairyHandofDartmoor

I haven't been asked for any money for school planners for ds1 and dd, but school fund was £10 for dd and £3 for ds1 for the year (I don't know why it is such a large difference!), and I agree that the demands for money are fairly constant.

I've stopped buying school photos (apart from leavers photos) as I decided that I would take my own photos of them in school uniform (half the time they were frowning or looking untidy in the school ones!), also with sponsor money I don't always contribute as I reason that my need is sometimes greater than theirs (depends on the cause).

We don't send them on residential trips as these can be hundreds of pounds and despite the impression the school gives, are usually not compulsory. Day trips, however, we end up forking out for as they would be the only child not to go, and these can be expensive! You can tell the school that you can't afford it, but as we are not on benefits I don't feel able to plead poverty (without our debts we would have enough money for all these things).

I ordered some revision guides for dd and a spellchecker type device for ds1 recently to help them with their schoolwork which came to about £13 between them.

As to how to budget, I haven't been up to now, but think I will add up how much we spend every half term on school expenses and then assume a similar amount for the next half term, and divide it by weeks to budget for it (if that makes sense). Don't get me started on the cost of school uniform.

Schools seem to assume that parents have a never ending supply of cash just waiting to be extracted from them!

frankiegirl

School photos I have stopped buying them I would scan them and save them onto a disc

Rachie_B

im sooooooooooo not looking forward to my son starting secondary school next sept

his junior school isnt too bad,they have swimming lessons once a week and we dont pay anything,very good after school sports clubs / journalist club / gardening club etc again dont pay anything

they have a few school trips usually about £5 though, he did go on a 3 day trip last term which cost £120 ish

black-saturn

I wonder what would happen if for swimming which is compulsary you didnt pay the charge. If it's compulsary surely the child would still have to do it. I'm not saying I would do that because I wouldnt but I often wonder what the position would be.

welshkitty_2

My eldest son started secondary school this year.

Heart attack week one - all first years were going to outdoor pursuits centre for a week as a quick get to know - at a price of £135, payable immediately.:eek:

He came home with the letter, and his little face told the story - he knew I couldn't afford it and had resigned himself to not going.:sad:

HE WENT:j - rang school and explained it was a bit too much in one go to pay, am paying over 4 months ( son doesn't know) and by the sounds of it this didn't surprise or shock the head of year.

I'll be Ok as long as the school doesn't surprise me with anymore trips.

Poppy9

black-saturn wrote:

I wonder what would happen if for swimming which is compulsary you didnt pay the charge. If it's compulsary surely the child would still have to do it. I'm not saying I would do that because I wouldnt but I often wonder what the position would be.

swimming would still happen because it's part of the national curriculum. The school would plead poverty but they have received funding for this subject. Schools count on the majority of parents not objecting and just paying up. They set the level quite low so it makes you look mean if you question it. I would raise with Headteacher or one of the parent Governors. They cannot exclude your child from the activity.

david_hellier

When budgeting for them, sit down and involve them in the figures. It will help them to see that it's not possible to afford all things at all times. I think a transparent approach to family finance is essential.