We can offer some financial assistance schemes, including free school meals for families receiving various state benefits; support towards the cost of school clothing. For more information on eligibility visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/schoolgrants or contact the welfare team in Harrogate.

For information about other sources of financial support for young people aged over 16, go to www.directgov.uk.

Schools must provide, free of charge, any activities that take place out of school hours that are related to the national curriculum or are part of a public-exam syllabus. The exception is where activities are provided by an outside organisation (neither us nor the school itself).

Schools can charge for the cost of board and lodgings on field trips. Schools can also ask for voluntary contributions for activities that the law does not allow them to charge for.

Schools can charge for certain activities, but only after the governors have decided on a detailed policy for charging.

For more information go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/schoolgrants.

County music service

For details about tuition at school or music centres call 01609 532783 or visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/musicservice.

Specialist and enhanced provision

If your child has a statement of special educational needs (SEN) you can contact the SEN team on 01609 532240 or visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/sensupport.

School children and part-time work

Children aged from 13 to compulsory school leaving age must carry their work permit with them when working. Employers are responsible for the health and safety of any child while they are at work. There are limits to the times and days that children can work, and the types of work that children are allowed to do.

You can get more information and work permit application forms at www.northyorks.gov.uk/childemployment or from the welfare team in Harrogate.