Nursery want a "retainer" fee - normal??

[boredwithfoodprob]

I had finally found my DS a nursery that I liked and felt he would be happy with too. When I went to look round the manager mentioned that they would have to take a "retainer fee" to "hold" his place. By this I thought she meant a deposit which seems to be standard and completely reasonable. However, when I phoned to tell her that we would definitely like DS to start in October this year she explained that we would have to pay half fees for every month that they are holding a space for him. There is 6 months between now and when he would start so basically they want over £900 retainer (equates to 2 days per week) plus a £200 deposit!!!! I was quite shocked at this and told her we just wouldn't be able to afford this and she said I would just have to phone up at the end of the summer to see if there is still a place for him in October. Plus this retainer fee is never returned, we will receive the £200 deposit back when he leaves. So basically has anyone else come across this system? I have looked around lots of nurseries recently and they all just want a deposit which is usually a month's fees.

The problem is that without the retainer, they may give the place to someone else. You're expecting them to lose finacially because you want peace of mind.

Retainers are not unusual.

I agree. I'm a CM and would have to charge a retainer if I actually had any spaces. But, I've always said that I'll only charge a retainer once another enquiry comes in that might take that space as I'm not loosing financially until I actually turn other work away.

But if they charge you, that SHOULD definitely mean that you are entitled to use the space before October, whenever you like although I'd expect you to pay the extra to make it to full fee for the actual hours you use, if that makes sense.

Well I certainly wouldn't pay that sort of a fee! A lot of children move out of nursery in September because of the school year starting, would it be feasible to hold a place from September? They would have to know which children are due to leave due to age. If they wouldn't be willing to discuss that sort of an option with you I'd be reconsidering nurseries, quite frankly, because I can't imagine them being flexible or helpful once your child starts.

Agree about the moving up in September children, definitely worth asking. I've had children come around that time in the past and just take over the space of one who moved to the over 5 age group. I'd still charge a deposit though as wouldn't want to risk the person changing their minds so the deposit bit would be pretty standard.

Good luck