Should our nursery offer me a reduction in fees for this?

[Coogee1]

Ds is beginning at a pre-school nursery. We have been given a start date of middle of next week despite the fact that the nursery re-opened at the beginning of this week. This is because he is a new starter and they want to get the other children settled before gradually introducing new ones.

This makes sense and I am happy with the process.

I got the invoice for the fees today and I notice it's the full whack, same as if he'd started on Monday with the majority. Given we are getting 7 fewer days this term, do you think I should be paying a reduced fee? I'm not sure whether to just pay it or query it. Don't want to get off on the wrong foot with them but I'm being asked to pay for days that we're not attending.

AIBU? I probably am.

Yeah I would query it, with a smile though.

Definitely query this. It's not your choice to wait, it's theirs. Invoice mistakes happen.

No way would I pay that. Absolutely not.

I'd figure out what is actually owed (I know you shouldn't have to) and e mail with this figure asking for a new invoice and the very good reason why.

What does the contract say?

Weekly/daily/hourly rate, then they are dead wrong, not a leg to stand on.

Annual/termly fees with a clear explanation of the different start dates- you can point out the discrepancy, and challenge a bit; but legally you can't do much.

It varies nursery to nursery. Mine charges for all days ds2 is in even if they're open or not. For example, if he attends Thursday and Friday each week, and Christmas/New years day fell on a Thursday or Friday, i would still be charged even though they're not open. It's scandalous! Definitely worth querying with them though.

It's a termly rate. They do make clear that you won't be reimbursed for inset days, bank holidays etc I understand that.

It's just that I would have preferred him to start this week with the majority of other children. I respect their process of settling in but it's their request that we don't start until next week, not mine.

I would query it - your start date is later so invoicing should start later. It's only after you start that I'd be expecting to pay for inset days etc

"It's just that I would have preferred him to start this week with the majority of other children. I respect their process of settling in but it's their request that we don't start until next week, not mine."

Absolutely fair enough- I'd definitely challenge it, perhaps gently though. It sounds like they've covered themselves, but that doesn't make it fair.