Can Pre-School charge when not open

[Pochness0209]

Hi,
This message isn't about bank holidays. Our pre-school is planning an away day. They require the parent to join each child. If you are not able to go, the child cannot go either and they are NOT open for the day. They do charge for this day. And as a working parent I have to either take a day off or find alternative childcare for the day that I have to pay for. I'm just wondering if this is legal? I don't know how they can charge when they aren't open?
Thanks for your thoughts in advance!

[Pipandmum]

Doesn’t seem fair to charge if it requires a parent to go. I would imagine any working parent couldn’t go. Did you sign a terms of agreement? Check that. But I think you have a good case for not paying.

[Pochness0209]

I think they included this in their new terms...but there is no online copy and I haven't got the contract out yet...but will check how they phrased it. It just doesn't seem legal to me...what are they actually charging for when providing no service??

[PCohle]

The away day seems a nice idea planned with good intentions. They're still paying the staff etc. so it's not as if they're trying to take your money with no outgoings themselves. They are providing a service (the away day) it's just not one you are able to participate in.

[Pochness0209]

I see your point. But I think I am paying for childcare...and they should provide that service. It is a nice idea but they should plan it on mind of their contracted service which is providing childcare in return for money? They require the parents to be there so they are not actually providing childcare service?

[Pochness0209]

I tbh feel sorry for the little one who can't participate because I'm working. It just seems a little unfair but since it the last year for us it leant really matter. I was just curious what people thought.

[insancerre]

But they are open!
Just not in the normal location
They can’t be in two places at once
Why can you not go with your child?

[piglet81]

Why can you not go with your child?

Presumably OP works while her child is at nursery...

Not on IMO unless agreed clearly in advance. Our nursery wanted to do something like this but fortunately enough of the parents said no way and they gave up the idea.

[Pochness0209]

I can't go with him because I work full time and we already can't cover the school holidays between the two of us. Thank you all for your input and opinion.

[FiveStoryFire]

I agree with you. It doesn't seem right that they can charge when they're not providing childcare.

[mumtobabygilrl]

Our nursery does two trips a year one summer and one for Xmas. Nursery is closed on the day however the encourage parents to go and make it sound like you absolutely have to so your child can also go. I went at Xmas which was lovely and I'm glad I booked AL HOWEVER there were at least 5 kids on the trip without parents so maybe check with them again to see if you going in absolutely essential

[gracielooloo]

In our Playgroup if we have such a trip we offer the adults the opportunity to come, if you can’t there would be sufficient staff for the children without an adult.

[Yabbers]

Doesn't sound right to me. Why do they need 1 to 1 just because it is an away day? And how do they justify charging for a place you can't use?

I would challenge it.

[BackforGood]

Presumably though, if lots of parents are going, then that frees up the staff to look after those whose parents can't go ?

[whitehalleve]

They can do what is in the contract. Check what your contract says.

[insancerre]

Have you actually spoken to the manager about your dilemma?
Or asked anyone else to go in your place?