To tell the nursery to go sing for it?

[Likeaheadlesschicken]

Evening all!

This weeks dilemma......... 

My DD is due to start nursery on Monday. We booked the place in February this year for three days per week. The deposit was paid immediately. We received no confirmation of her booking, however the cheque was cashed so I felt ok that it was sorted.

Fast forward to a month ago... Despite several friends being contacted about their DC's starting nursery and arranging stay and play sessions we didnt get contacted. So I called the nursery and initiated everything.

We have had two one hour stay and plays. As my working hours had not been confirmed I had not specified which three days were required. When I mentioned this last week I was told I had already been allocated days, but had not been informed of them. I was at this point given an enrolment form and handbook. 

Today I have discovered that I am unable to return to work as the position they have offered me is totally untenable and I have no
choice than to resign (whole other thread.....maybe tomorrows dilemma!)

I contacted the nursery to see what would happen, and I was told I would lose my deposit (£240) and would have to pay £1200 to them in lieu of notice.
I was not aware of this policy and having checked the documentation I was given when I first approached the nursery it was not mentioned. It has however been included in the new documentation I was given on Friday.

I don't actually want to withdraw DD from nursery as I think it would be good for her so proposed her having one day per week, to which I was told fine, but I would still lose my deposit and would have to pay £960.... One day in nursery is a stretch financially so there is no way in gods name I could afford three, or to pay the amounts they are suggesting. 

I asked to speak to the Manager but am still waiting for a call back.

So WWYD, do you believe I am liable for this money. The policy states the parents will be taken to court for non payment. 

My gut reaction is to tell them
to foxtrot ocsar, but previously to today I felt the nursery would be a fab place for my DD and I don't want CCJ's and the like hanging over me. 

[Likeaheadlesschicken]

Harriet don't get me started on work!! It maybe tonight's AIBU! I don't know if I can face a flaming if people think I am BU though as I am really upset about it. Basically they have turned down my flexible working request on ridiculous grounds with two business days notice. I have no choice but to leave work as the location I work in is over an hour from home and I will not be able to get back for when the nursery closes, and they will not move finish times or allow me period of grace whilst I organise alternative childcare.

[NellieForbush]

Calma The nursery threatened her with court for 3 months fees that they had never previously mentioned and had (by the sound of it) got wrong anyway. Seems quite reasonable to find this situation stressful...

[Likeaheadlesschicken]

Thanks Nellie :)

[knittedbreast]

do not pay them, you dont have too.

imagine you had paid your deposit and then just moved away, do you think they would chase you? no they would just be happy to keep your deposit. its only because you are still there they are trying this.