The revenue problem.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What it costs to deliver What comparable providers charge What your market can pay
WHAT TO PUBLISH
The full cost, including everything.
WHY
Undisclosed additional charges are the commonest source of parent complaints.
WHAT TO STATE CLEARLY
What the fee covers What is additional When payment is due What happens if it is late
WHAT PAYMENT STRUCTURES EXIST
Termly in advance Monthly instalments Annual, with a discount
WHAT ADVANCE PAYMENT PROVIDES
Cash when costs begin.
WHAT INSTALMENTS PROVIDE
Accessibility for families.
WHAT THEY COST
Collection effort, and arrears.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
A clear policy, applied consistently.
WHY CONSISTENTLY
Exceptions become expectations and spread.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT ARREARS
Address them early, privately and respectfully.
WHY EARLY
Small arrears become unrecoverable ones.
WHAT TO AVOID
Embarrassing children over parents' arrears.
WHY
It is harmful, it damages your reputation, and it rarely produces payment.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Deal with the parent directly.
WHAT TO OFFER WHERE APPROPRIATE
An arrangement, in writing.
WHAT TO TRACK
Arrears by family and by age.
WHAT TO DECIDE IN ADVANCE
At what point a student cannot continue, and how that is handled.