Delayed start date - is it normal to have to pay for the spot even though you don't use it?

[baffledmummy]

Hello...we payed a deposit to our nursery last year to reserve a spot for DC1 - we said mid-Feb but hadn't quite decided when I was going back to work.

I've since decided to extend mat leave by a couple of months and not planning to put her in nursery now until mid-April. I spoke to the nursery last week and they were totally fine about delaying the start date. Then yesterday I got an invoice for Feb fees. They didn't mention anything on the phone so am wondering if it is an administration error or whether we have to pay for the 2 months despite not using the space? I can totally understand the reasoning behind it if we do need to pay, but it is not a practice I've heard of.

Before I query it with them, just wondering if anyone had come across this before?

Thanks!

[bb888]

This sounds normal - they have the space now, and the alternative would be to offer it to someone who is ready to use it now, and then you wait for the next place to come up.

[baffledmummy]

Awww...I had my fingers cross for an admin error :) Never mind...thanks for your reply bb888

[purplemunkey]

Did you get any paperwork when you paid a deposit? I had a similar situation where I dereferred the pencilled in start date and I wasn't charged.

I eventually had to cancel the place altogether as our landlord decided to sell and we moved out of the area. I got my whole deposit back which I wasn't expecting to be honest! The small print said no refund but they didn't even question it when I asked, they seemed sympathetic to my situation.

Definitely check any paperwork and probably give them a call too as it may be down to the manager's discretion.

[HSMMaCM]

It's worth asking, but you might have to pay.

[Loraline]

We had to give at least a month's notice to delay start date so if you didn't do that then they've probably charged you as per your contract