Another nursery fees one...

[Floopyandtired]

My DS’s nursery is fully closed due to the public health crisis. They have sent several emails saying that although we aren’t obliged to, they will fold if we don’t continue paying full fees due to - amongst other things - high staff costs.

Given the government announcement to pay furloughed staff 80% of their salary, along with other legislation to help businesses, I asked the question whether they were still asking for full fees given they will now be getting additional help. And if they were still asking for fees, what would the money be going towards, e.g. would we get some “credit” when everything settles down, etc. I received an incredibly shirty response saying the company’s finances were none of my business but they would have to out “hundreds of thousands of pounds of loans” even if parents continue to contribute.

AIBU to ask why they still need full feels despite the govt. support? I’m genuinely asking because I admittedly don’t understand business. I want to be supportive but we’re struggling financially now so having to count every penny.

Thanks in advance.

@Thefaceofboe it is not rubbish that say that someone can’t ask for financial assistance without being open & honest about their financial situation.
Again, if a contractor is asking me to support them while they are not delivering services, my government guidance is that they have to open their books to me. Why is a nursery different to a different building company in that regard?

“ I bet the state will also not check if Mr Smith is exactly the kind of bank worker that is regarded as key so they should perhaps now start taking more and more children back under those provisions just as plenty have been open and charging throughout for some children.”

That’s appalling advice! You’re suggesting that the nursery breaks the law and invalidates its insurance.

My youngest goes to a private nursery. Paid upfront. March was paid but they said they will not be charging for April etc as the gov had said about furlough and loans etc
The email response you got was very rude!

No, just that the regulations are very very very broad in terms of who can go to nursery, all kinds of workers with masses of scope for interpretation like loads of laws.

This is the list - it is massive and may well cover most parents at some nurseries www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

I’ve seen the list. Do you honestly think we just take people’s word for it?

If their employer gives us written confirmation that someone is a key worker, then there’s no need to bend the rules in the way you suggest.

@Xenia I agree with you re:interpretation. The Scottish government one said ‘oil and gas workers’ which covers about 75% of my sons nursery - so on the Monday after the announcement a lot of kids got dropped off (we didn’t as we interpreted what the ‘spirit’ of the list was - oil and gas offshore, refining, pipelines etc, not paper pushers who work for an O&G company). Cue 10am and an email saying they all needed picked up following further Detailed guidance