Private nursery still staying open despite briefing yesterday?

[Hannsmum]

Hello

My child's private nuresery (somewhere in croydon) said they are staying open because they are private and not run by the Govt. Im sure they are doing this because they want to find any means to get people to pay because what i understood from the press conference is that " all schools and nurseries should close"

I honestly dont mind paying because im meant to be working from home which would help with the 2 yr old but at the same time..i don't want to leave my kid out when everyone is home but still have to dole out £1000+..

Are they bound by the new rules that all schools and nurseries should close or qre they right?

Anyone's child nursery doing the same?
Thanks

We haven't received the full information yet. If they are staying opening it will only be for a very specific group of children.

My sons private nursery is staying open at present as well, not just for key workers, for everyone 🤷🏼‍♀️ It’s very confusing!

Some people seem to think the announcement is just advice, but I think they are absolutely wrong. Registered providers (childminders and nurseries) are all regulated by the government through ofsted. Providers who think they can stay open are off their rockers. Have they read the imperial college report? Have they been following the news? This is not a drill. This is happening. Our nursery have emailed us this morning to find out what parents are key workers and are working to see which staff members will be able to work. So far, they've been silent on fees...

Unfortunately due to the way nurseries are run, I can tell you that most will not close unless they are explicitly told to.

@gigi556 my very thought.

I believe that whether private or public are regulated through ofsted and should be following rules.

I think the Govt hasnt made it clear whether its advice or a rule.

They want your money before they shut down and go bankrupt.

My private wrap around (London based) is also staying open and in fact extending its offering to support parents wfh.

The ones around us (Scotland) are also staying open with no caveats. Think they'll need to be properly and specifically told to close before they will.

My major chain nursery is staying open apparently.

@Hannsmum the government need 75% participation according to their models which predict how quickly the virus will spread and what measures to undertake. I don't understand why some providers think they are exempt or the government can't enforce it. When the police or military turn up at their door and shut them down, maybe then they'll get the message?!

Not sure what DS's nursery are doing, no email, text or phonecall to say what's going on yet. Am curious as to whether they will still be able to claim his 30 hours funding if they do close? Because I won't be paying more to keep his place (only need to use the 30 hours).

If thats the case ill probably just have to change him to part time since im going to be home with mu 6 year old till probably Sept.

I know they will say they needa montha notice but its better to give thar notice now than keep paying a full month for the next 5 months 🙄

I don't think the government has been clear enough on nurseries. We're still waiting for confirmation that's ours is closing.

Unless they're going to compensate the nurseries for all the lost income, I can see why they would want to stay open.

Hannsmum just be warned if someone takes your other hours in the meantime you may not get them back in September. We are full time in childcare and I cannot take the risk of someone taking the hours I need to be able to work.

No update from mine yet, but I assume they’re going to be staying open for as long as they can. Dd will still be going while she’s not unwell because I can’t work without nursery. Not a lot I can do, bills/mortgage/food etc doesn’t stop because of corona.

My daughter's school is staying open (independent specialist) I'm delighted. All dc's have EHCPs and only 28 in the school over three settings and much of the curriculum is done outside. Dd will be attending for as long as she is able to and will only be absent if we have to self isolate or there aren't enough staff in school.

The information yesterday was very unclear - all early years providers will be waiting for further guidance today before they can say for sure what they're doing on Monday.

@Eeyoresstickhouse i totally understand but at the same time i cant be paying full amount when im home.

Im ok to support to stay open and iWork from home fridays so might just stop him going then.

Its just a lot of money to keep paying when im home

My 10 month old son is due to start nursery soon so we're facing the prospect of paying full whack for full time fees for a nursery he's not attending. The small print even says we have to pay in case of closure due to pandemic. In the event the closure lasts months we will either have to pull him out & lose the place or hope they see sense and offer a retainer fee.
It's a very large chain.

Mine (Norfolk) says on their website that they'll be open as normal, I was surprised too as I thought it was against the guidelines.

I'm hoping we'll quickly get more clarification from the government on this. I don't think we'll risk sending DD in after this week.

Hannsmum I am in the exact same situation. I am having to pay for full time childcare when tomorrow is the last day she will go till probably September. I do work term time only (not in a school) so there is some relief over the summer for childcare bills, but I will still have to pay it until the end of July.

Otherwise we are going to have a massive childcare crisis in September when settings go out of business and none of us will be able to work!

Also if you are still getting normal pay from work, it is only fair that you pay as per the contract.

I just saw this on BBCs website

"Nurseries, private schools and sixth forms are also being told to follow the guidance to close. "

So it sounds like it's advisory, hopefully we will know more soon.

To be honest, I would be perfectly happy for DSs nursery to stay open. He will get bored if he has to stay at home with me while I'm working and the nursery are already so careful. They're deep-cleaning every day and only letting nursery staff into the building.

Our nursery says they are staying open for keyworkers but as the government have not given them a comprehensive list of keyworkers, they have come up with their own list which is so large that it includes almost anybody

Still not heard from mine.
Large chain, in England

Mine (private) has now officially shut from tomorrow. Liable for next months fees but no more after that. Very sad for the staff and all parents and children. Plus I now cannot go to work... not sure financially what help is out there for those in this situation?!