Nursery charging me for half terms!!

[TaurusMama]

Hi,

Hi at signed 2 yr old up to 2 morning sessions a week and have received the invoice including paying for a half term in Feb when he won’t be there..??

Childcare and the fees are a joke!

The nurseries all capitalising on this lockdown as well, no taster sessions etc.,

Thanks in advance x

[riddles26]

I have a child at a private term time nursery. We only pay for sessions where they are open - no fees for half terms or holidays. If we choose not to send, we still pay. Invoices are sent at the start of each term with clear payment dates and we do not pay for the following term however once enrolled, one full term's notice is required for withdrawal.

Nappies, wipes and lunch is not provided like in your case but a morning snack and glass of milk is. Once over 3, funding is given but does not cover the full cost so we top it up.

Fees are not published on their website either but information is provided as soon as you make an enquiry - this is the same for many nurseries in my area.

Whilst our nursery made errors at handling COVID and fees during closures, it was not because they are making huge profits. They are also struggling with so many unknowns and trying to keep their heads above water.

With COVID - they should not be charging you where they are closed or your child has been forced to isolate because they have been a close contact. If you opt not to send your child while they are open, they are entitled to charge full fees

[LolaSmiles]

Now, from what you have posted, this sounds like quite an unusual Nursery, and it also sounds expensive for what it is, but why would anyone agree to buy any service before finding out the price ?
My thoughts entirely.

It's got nothing to do with Covid or being desperate or anything else. The OP signed her child up to a nursery because it has a good reputation and is local, but didn't get the fairly major information like prices before signing up.

It sounds steep for a normal morning session, but then it sounds like a very different nursery if they only run 8.30-1.30 and close all afternoon. Either way, they are free to price their service and parents are free to use them or not use them.

The OP's overall tone seems to be unfairly arsey by claiming the nursery is capitalising on covid and they seem a bit snippy when people have rightly challenged this or questioned why they didn't get prices before signing up.

[TaurusMama]

I did get the prices beforehand and haven't signed anything. I have now cancelled his place upon weighing it up.. they only sent me the paperwork/info last minute and wanted swift payment made.. there was no official contract, just a letter of confirmation which i did not sign.

I paid/lost £100 registration fee on 4th Jan to confirm his place, but nothing else.

£60 is very steep for a morning session and good to know other mums agree! so glad I haven't gone ahead.