Period of notice to end contract

[Lambette]

My childminder texted me she is on holiday 22 January and I had no choice but to source other care. We agreed term time only sessions as I am a teacher. I texted her today as in the contract it states we need to give 4 weeks notice (NCMA). She replied that I cannot give notice now, it will be as of 3 January and that would mean my child couldn't start nursery until 3 February. Still leaving me in the lurch for her unpaid holiday time. Is this correct? Thank you for your help in advance.

Depend what the contract states
My notice period is 2 weeks but i cant give notice while their on holiday but i can if the setting is closed x

Btw if you dont pay her while she is on houlday your child can start jan 22nd

Thank you, no we don't pay her while on holiday. The other thing she is hanging on is that I texted her, it wasn't in writing. She gave me notice of her holiday via text. I was trying to be amicable as she has done a fantastic job, but when she is off we have no backup, hence sourcing elsewhere. Just want to be clear that I am not breaking contract.