Paying childcare on strike days when they close?

[FamilyLife2point4]

I am wondering if this aftercare company is acting illegally or immorally.
When the queens funeral was held and everywhere (schools / aftercare) closed, I did not think they could charge parents? They tried to for this date but when I pointed out my bill should be lower due to funeral, they sent an amended bill without fuss. Fine.
Now teachers are striking (once last month) and they sent a very long email, which at the bottom, stated that we still need to pay even though they are choosing to close? I am pretty sure I’ve read somewhere that you can’t charge folk for a service you aren’t providing, irrespective of the reasoning.
I think this bothers me more as during the first lockdown, before furlough, I left my childcare voucher running (several hundred per month) at their request as otherwise staff would have had no wages, but they want to gripe over £30? I think I’m feeling quite used, even though they are a fantastic service!

Do they run out of the school building? As they may have not choice but to close. It would be odd to be open say from 3.30 to 6 only, would many people want that?
I will pay mine, but they didn't ask for pay in the lockdowns though.

@Onthecuspofabreakthrough They have their own separate premises - use minibuses to transport kids etc.
I get what you mean re - what’s the point opening just 3-6pm - but that would be an option of 3 hours of childcare (to permit me to do some WFH) but they choose to close then charge?

Doesn’t seem right but don’t know if it’s legal (as the other childcare provider I have for mornings automatically refunds).

Check your contract - do they have something about exceptional circs etc.
Though you do have to consider how much you want to rock the boat if you're otherwise happy with them

it’s consumer act 2015, no they cannot charge for a service they’re not providing.

Ours charged for strike days on November and they have said that they will also charge for the planned strike days in January (we're in Scotland). The reasoning the have given is that they still need to pay staff and that staff will do online training. They operate from school building so can't open but they also won't be refunded by the council for the let on strike days.

@underneaththeash this is what I thought I had read somewhere

@Onthecuspofabreakthrough no there’s no mention of this

@Invisimamma this is what they are doing too - similar reasoning but utter provider is automatically refunding (other provider does run out school buildings and as far as I’m aware, are reimbursed for the let, as the school is choosing to close)

it’s a bit baffling why the 2 are operating differently.