LIVERPOOL schools are set to produce annual reports for parents explaining how their financial contributions are spent.

The city council is considering the proposal amid fears schools are putting too much pressure on parents to contribute towards the cost of trips and other activities.

It has been suggested by former city education leader, Cllr Paul Clein.

He said the move would protect the minority of parents “who are made to feel the voluntary requests for donations are compulsory and they and their children will be penalised if they are unable to oblige.”

Government rules dictate that schools are prohibited from demanding cash for trips or activities which complement the national curriculum and have an educational value.

They can only ask for voluntary contributions towards such activities.

Cllr Clein wants a code of conduct drawing up which would:

Include an annual audit of how parents’ showing money was spent.

Express requests for donations in “entirely neutral language” and would not seek information regarding individuals’ financial circumstances.

Dictate all curriculum activities would be offered to pupils regardless of whether a contribution had been made.

Peter Price, National Primary Headteachers’ Association vice chairman and head at St Christopher’s primary in Speke, backed the move.

He said: “ No parent should ever be made to pay if it is an activity attached to the school curriculum.”

But Ian Andain, chairman of Liverpool Schools Forum and headteacher at Broadgreen International School, said the move was unwarranted and would be “yet more bureaucracy for schools who already must jump through hoops.

“Our school has never sent a letter asking a parent for a contribution.”