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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect a refund when nursery closes for snow??

87 replies

Lou1324 · 10/12/2017 20:28

Just had a phone call to say my DDs nursery is closed tomorrow because of the snow. The nursery is part of a big college and the head has made the call to close the college. We had heavy snow fall last night, but the main roads are now fine, we've been out and about all day.

We've been told no refund! I'm now going to have to pay for alternative childcare as I work for the NHS, which does not close no matter what the weather! DH is saying we should insist on a refund... Anyone ever managed to do this?!

OP posts:
turdconsultant · 10/12/2017 20:29

There'll be something in your contract, no doubt when they say no refunds it's because they've already covered their arses.

Splinterz · 10/12/2017 20:31

What does the contract say?

Dozer · 10/12/2017 20:31

Standard.

EggysMom · 10/12/2017 20:32

There's probably a direct link between continuing to charge parents, and needing to pay staff.

Refund the parents - staff don't get paid for that day, even though it's not their choice not to be at work

Staff get paid - parents still have to pay, even though no actual childcare is being provided.

Bit of a catch-22 situation!

Butterymuffin · 10/12/2017 20:36

Just bad luck I'm afraid. They still have running costs and staff wages to pay. Look at it this way: if your child was in school and the school closed for snow, you'd be in the same position (ie having to pay for childcare, or to take a day off) and wouldn't have thought about demanding a refund, as you're not visibly paying out in the first place.

Can your DH take the day off, or work from home and get some work done around looking after your DD?

moobeana · 10/12/2017 20:36

They would / should only provide refunds if it is something they have done wrong. (Broken heating due to neglect, staffing issues etc)
They haven’t caused this, the weather / higher powers have. No way you will get or should expect a refund. There will be something in your contract about this type of circumstance. You just have to accept these things, surely you must have contingency plans for when your LO is poorly. So do what you would on those occasions.

Original poster
Lou1324 · 10/12/2017 20:37

I'm sure it is standard, I just don't see how they can demand payment for a service they have not provided.

OP posts:
SunnySkiesSleepsintheMorning · 10/12/2017 20:38

They can demand payment if it’s in the contract that you voluntarily signed. Sucks but one of those things.

SprogletsMum · 10/12/2017 20:39

I'd bet that the staff aren't getting paid. They'll have covered themselves in the contract but you definitely should be getting a refund, you've paid for a day of childcare that they aren't providing. It might not be their fault it's snowed but it's not yours either.

pastabest · 10/12/2017 20:43

Does DH also work for the NHS?

iamyourequal · 10/12/2017 20:43

I'm now going to have to pay for alternative childcare as I work for the NHS, which does not close no matter what... how are you going to arrange alterative childcare which you have to pay for at such short notice? Also, perhaps it's different up here in Scotland, but acquaintances of mine who work for the NHS are entitled to 'x' number of paid 'emergency' type days for sick kids/no childcare etc. ( I know this as as spitefull part of me totally resents it and thinks nhs staff should take a/l like the rest if us have to!).

Original poster
Lou1324 · 10/12/2017 20:44

Moo I do have conginency plans, if my child was poorly I would have to take carers leave. My DH is self employed so can't really take time off, and there is no reason to, as the snow is all but gone from the roads anyway! To give perspective, the primary school round the corner is staying open

OP posts:
Coldilox · 10/12/2017 20:45

They will be paying staff, legally they have to. If your employer chooses to close your place of work they have to pay you.

KenAdams · 10/12/2017 20:46

Off topic but I'm wondering if you live in my village! Is it a school that's just merged with another?

user1471459936 · 10/12/2017 20:47

Maybe it would be worth having the contact details of one or two of the nursery workers so you can contact direct in future if they might be willing to look after your child(ren) when nursery closed.

BikeRunSki · 10/12/2017 20:47

I'm sure it is standard, I just don't see how they can demand payment for a service they have not provided.

Because they have not caused the situation which is preventing them from providing the service.

Original poster
Lou1324 · 10/12/2017 20:49

If everyone with children in my department took emergency leave the department would have to close which can just not happen! I appreciate that people with school ages children are in the same position from a childcare point of view, but they aren't losing money by paying for a service that isn't being provided!

OP posts:
Bbbbbbbb2017 · 10/12/2017 20:50

Our nursery stipulate they wont refund if they shut due to circumstances out of their control such as severe weather

Original poster
Lou1324 · 10/12/2017 20:50

But anyway I just wondered really if it was worth pursuing, if anyone had managed to successfully get a refund in the past

OP posts:
guestofclanmackenzie · 10/12/2017 20:50

If the snow has nearly all gone, why are they closing the nursery?

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 10/12/2017 20:52

Presumably they will still have to pay their staff, and their other fixed overheads - would you be happy for them not to pay their staff tomorrow, so you can have a refund?

RatRolyPoly · 10/12/2017 20:53

It isn't worth pursuing at all if it is covered in your contract. If anyone has got a refund ever in what appear to be similar circumstances, it will be because of what's in their contract, but I can't imagine you won't have signed something that precludes any refund. Sorry.

RedSkyAtNight · 10/12/2017 20:55

The staff may not live locally and may not be able to travel in safely.

beelover · 10/12/2017 20:57

When I worked in a college nursery we didn't get paid if the college shut due to snow. We all felt it was unfair so I sympathise with you still being charged.

KiaOraAura · 10/12/2017 21:02

There's no blanket right to paid time off for childcare in the NHS (just to comment on what was said up thread).