to expect a refund from nursery?

[Alieight]

DS (18mo) is at nursery full-time, 5 days a week. A week ago we got a letter saying that the school which the nursery is attached to has had a gas leak. A temporary repair has been done, but full repair needs to be made in half term. These means that the nursery will be closed for 2 days during half term.

The letter then goes on to say that parents whose children normally attend on those days will be offered alternative days in that week. Parents who do not take up this opportunity will be given a full refund.

So fine, the nursery is closed, but I get a refund, right?

So I get my bill this morning to find out that no, because DS is full-time, he doesn't get a refund. If he was part-time, he would.

Am I being unreasonable to be angry over this? We pay exactly the same per day as part-time - there's no discount for full-time or anything.

It is not like the nursery could have offered you the option of alternate days, but does seem to be bad form to penalise those who use the nursery full-time. Perhaps you need to take it up with them?

I would think that you're quite right to be expecting a refund it that's what they promised - more so, surely as you don't have the option of alternative days?

I suspect they've made a mistake so check with them before getting your angry head on. But definitely get tough if you have to!!

I have already checked with them - they confirmed that they weren't offering refunds to full-timers.

The thing is, if it's the school that's insisting the repairs have to be done at half-term, rather than pay the expense of having it done at a weekend, say, shouldn't the school be compensating the nursery?

They were unable to provide a service they were contractually obliged to provide. You should get a refund and if they have any sense of wanting to provide a good service to parents of full time children (their bread and butter surely?) they will cough up. Plus wouldn't have have some kind of insurance to cover this scenario?

I would speak to the Head/Manager (calmly mind, no need for anger).

YANBU - they shouldn't be favouring those who pay part-time. Definitely complain - do you know any of the other FT parents who could join you?

YANBU - I would rally round the other FT parents and complain collectively.

You will probably have signed something in terms and conditions about emergency closure that will give the nursery the power to refuse refunds.

RBOTP - There probably is a clause saying they have the power to remove refunds for emergency closure.

But my issue is that they sent me a letter saying they would be giving us a refund, and now are saying that they won't, solely because DS is there full-time.

Am speaking to the Head tomorrow (she's not in today), so we'll see what happens.

It is certainly confusing - they will regret sending you the first letter! Good Luck

My feeling would be that they cant offer a refund to part timers and not full timers, if pt cant take the extra days on offer then tough, OR, offer everyone a refund. Pretty bad relationships with parents will develop if FT parents feel they are being victimised - the nursery will see the error of their ways as I bet you're not the only FT parent up in arms

They are talking rubbish Just deduct 2 days worth from your payment