Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Parent done a runner????

30 replies

agalch · 07/04/2006 15:09

Don't know if anyone can help.Started a child beg March,mum paid the monthly fee in advance as per the contract so all good.Was a little inconsistent bringing him eg letting his aunty have him a few times cos he was upset at being left(he's 3.5yrs).Was due to pay fees on Monday for the month of April and guess what? She didn't turn up with the child as arranged.Tried ringing her several times but no joy.Her sister phoned to say mum felt child not settling and was not bringing him back but mum would phone me after work.
Mum didn't phone so i called her at 8am(so i could be sure i got her in)and she agreed written notice had to be given and fees were due.Would phone me later to arrange a meeting.
Hasn't phoned and not answering her phone.Phoned SCMA advice line who advised leaving it till Monday and sending her a letter recorded delivery and refer her to contract etc.I have legal insurance to cover this,has anyone pursued a non-paying parent?Was it worth the hassle and did you get monies owed?
If i do pursue what would i put in the letter?
TIA

OP posts:
Uwila · 07/04/2006 16:25

But, nannynick, she said it wasn't in the contract. So I'm not sure how far she get with court procedure. Probably best to give the diplomatic route her best shot. Legally,I don't think she can do much without it in the contract.

nannynick · 07/04/2006 16:14

You can take it though Small Claims
\link{http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/n6w/scotland/your_rights/legal_system_scotland/small_claims_in_the_sheriff_court_scotland.htm#Whatisasmallclaim\Guide to Small Claims via Scotish Sherrif Court}
\link{http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/sheriff/small_claims/guidance_notes.asp\Scotish: Sherrif Court: Small Claims Guidance}
\link{http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/sheriff/fees/index.asp\Scotish Sherrif Court Fees} - looks like Small Claim of over £50, less than £750 would cost £39 to lodge claim.

Original poster
agalch · 07/04/2006 15:20

No Hellybelly it was not in the contract,we both agreed to 4 weeks notice.I was only going to provide care till the end of June as i will be on maternity leave.The arrangement suited us both i thought as she was looking for someone till end June she said.She also said on the phone her sister would look after child until she decided whether ot not to give up work.

Thanks HenniPenni i will try to draft a letter and post it Monday morning.I feel uncomfortable about the situation but if i didn't want to continue the contract i would have given her the 4 weeks notice to find another childminder so i think i deserve the same courtesy.

OP posts:
HenniPenni · 07/04/2006 15:13

I pursued a non-paying parent who had "forgotten" about the terms of the contract. Yes I did get the money owing and I am glad i hassled her.HTH

HellyBelly · 07/04/2006 15:11

Can't help with letter or experience as not happened to me but just wanted to ask if a settling in period was put into the contract? Not sure if you have this on yours, NCMA ones do.