Hi. I recently signed a contract with a childminder in january 2013. I gave my two week notice on February 10th. I had family issues and had to go stay with my mum on the 11th of February. This was an unforseen emergency and unfortunately coincided with the first week of my two week notice period. The childcare provider was made aware of this and had no problem as she was paid in lieu of notice.
After staying at my mothers for a week I returned to my home on the 17th of February. My daughter had her last week at the childminders as the two week notice ended on the 24th of February. When I had text the childminder to say my daughter would be attending her sessions the childminder refused to look after her as she said that I has not contacted her for 7 days. She did not give me any written notice of cancelling the contract and she never refunded the money back to me. In summary she took my money for that week and did not work.
Since I am not rich I have been using citizens advice bureau for advice and I have sent the relevant letters via special delivery. The childminder is refusing to accept them and is saying that NCMA have advised her not to talk to me because the contract has now ended, she is also saying that I have to have a letter drafted by a solicitor to send to hers as they will not deal with myself. The other thing is that she never gave me a copy of my contract and is also telling me that NCMA is advising her to not give me a copy.
I really need some advise from other parents who have been through the same situation.