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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

CMs - what would you do? Is it cheeky to ask for part deposit back?

12 replies

angel1976 · 09/01/2009 16:20

Hi,

I posted about my childcare dilemma and would like experienced CMs to comment please?

It was clearly stated when we gave CM the deposit that it would be non-refundable if I gave up the place for DS. It is looking very likely we would do it. She is a lovely CM though, comes highly recommended and I really don't want to burn my bridges. Do you think it is fair of me to ask for part deposit back? I wouldn't expect the full amount as I understand that this is completely our fault and I would understand if she kept the whole deposit but given the current climate, do you think it is cheeky of me to ask if she would consider giving part of the deposit back? What would you do if you were in my CM's position? Thanks!

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NAB3lovelychildren · 09/01/2009 16:23

I think you will have to swallow the loss tbh.

HSMM · 09/01/2009 16:23

I'm afraid I would repeat that it is non-refundable. 'Given the current climate', your CM may not get another mindee for months and will be very out of pocket.

Original poster

angel1976 · 09/01/2009 16:27

Fair enough but can I ask though? I will be very polite and just say that I understand the deposit was non-refundable and if she have suffered any loss of income then it's fair enough she keeps the deposit. However, would she consider refunding part of it as it would be very much appreciated? Would that be bad?

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thritbies · 09/01/2009 16:31

tbh I don't think you could/should ask for it back, it's always been pretty clear from the outset of your contract with her that the deposit- as most deposits tend to be- is non-refundable. How much is it? In answer to your q, I really don't think it would be fair of you to ask, sorry

ActiveC · 09/01/2009 16:34

In a word, NO

You state you were fully aware of the terms from the begining.

My fees policy states,

'All fees & charges are fully enforced. Please do not ask for a waiver as refusal often offends.'

ActiveC · 09/01/2009 16:35

In a word, YES

You state you were fully aware of the terms from the begining.

My fees policy states,

'All fees & charges are fully enforced. Please do not ask for a waiver as refusal often offends.'

Original poster

angel1976 · 09/01/2009 16:36

Ok, fair point... I guess I just have to let it go then...

OP posts:

southernbelle77 · 09/01/2009 17:45

I don't think it's fair on the CM to ask for any of the desposit back. She took the desposit so this exact situation did not happen and if it did then at least she would be compensated for it. I feel you would be playing on her good nature even thinking of asking. She may well have turned away another mindee and in the long term be very out of pocket because of it. Sadly it is just one of those things you are going to have grin and bear, sorry!

thebody · 09/01/2009 19:52

I dont really understand why you think the tough current economic circumstance isnt just as bad for your CM either??
and why would you be burning your bridges, does that mean you might change your mind again??

twentypence · 09/01/2009 20:02

You are going to save 22 quid a day. As you say yourself that deposit will be absorbed in a matter of 10 weeks.

So ultimately you don't lose out.

You have no good reason to ask for the money back from the CM - there is nothing wrong with her - you just got lucky with nursery place.

berkschick · 09/01/2009 20:07

If you paid a deposit on a holiday and then found a cheaper alternative, would you expect the deposit back? I dont think you would and you most definately would not get it! Your childminder may well have turned other business away holding the place open for you so the deposit is hers to keep for that reason.

Original poster

angel1976 · 09/01/2009 20:45

Hi,

I've posted an update on the other thread so here it is...

Just to update that my DH and I have decided to put DS in nursery for 4 days a week. At the end of the day, we want him settled and happy and I cannot see that it's going to be easy for him to adjust to two different sets of people and environments. I've spoke to the CM and she was really understanding. She's going to finish minding her other mindee in June as her mindee's mum is finishing her year-long course and she has said that if nursery doesn't work out for my DS, she is happy for the deposit we have paid to go towards her CM-ing fees then (if we decide to use her then) so I think it's all worked out for the best. Thanks for all your advice.

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