Consumables fee

[Marciemoo]

My 2 year old son started nursery with the 15 hours funding mid September. He went for a week and seemed to enjoy it, then he started kicking up a fuss and not wanting to go in, he would also come out very subdued and quiet.
He then got ill and didnt go for two weeks.
When i took him back he was hysterical and didnt want to go in atall so i stop sending him altogether. I explained to the lady who runs it what had happened and that i dont feel he was ready so wont be sending him back.
Now this is where im not sure if im being unreasonable.
They charge me an £85 per term consumables fee. At first they told me it would be just £50 so i paid that then they sent an invoice for another £35 about a week later.
I understand they need this money not necessarily for food and nappies etc but because the government do not give them anywhere near enough in the first place.
Having said that im reluctant to pay the £35 now as he went for two weeks tops and i sent in nappies and wipes myself not to mention he was so unhappy there.
Should i just pay it and be done with it or ignore the neverending texts and emails i am now receiving?

Top up fees are not permitted. Nurseries only get away with the because parents are generally sympathetic to the funding situation.

You don't have to pay this.

If they try to insist, remind them that your DC attended only for the free hours and you will be referring the charge to the LA for adjudication.

They will cancel the charge faster than you can blink, because of LA does become involved, then that charge will have to vanish for everyone, and that'll leave them with a real headache.

Thankyou i was feeling rather guilty about it but the way she is pushing it is bordering on harrassment! Thanks for the advice x

Having reported a similar case to the local authority before the rules changed allowing a charge for consumables, they weren't at all interested, so I wouldn't necessarily expect any help from there. Just refuse to pay, send then a final letter explaining why and then stop communicating with them. They aren't going to take you to small claims court for £35.

As most local authorities pay funding for the term, I'll be amazed if they haven't claimed for the whole term anyway.
So they are definitely not out of pocket!