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Related: Lockdown Learning, discuss home schooling during lockdown.
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Related: Lockdown Learning, discuss home schooling during lockdown.
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Are you still paying for childcare while closed?
2020bye · 19/03/2020 22:12
Just wondered what everyone’s doing regarding nursery/childminder fees? Ours has said we need to pay in full while closed... not sure I can afford it!
Also, does anyone get universal credit and know if they’ll continue to count the childcare payments while they’re not technically there?
Such a scary time, solidarity to all!
sweetpea2811 · 19/03/2020 22:22
I am hoping that as long as you're still being invoiced and can prove you're paying, they will contribute to childcare costs. I'm a single parent working as a TA, if they don't carry on supporting childcare costs then I will most definitely have to resign. I can not afford to pay the fees without the help.
Janeinthemiddle · 19/03/2020 22:30
Mine says we have to. I would if we know how long they'll be closed for but if not, we'll unfortunately have to give notice!
2020bye · 19/03/2020 22:31
Yes I’m hoping so too... I’ve said I can continue to pay them as long as I continue getting my UC but I don’t want to give them hope without knowing if I’ll get it back.
I’m presuming as a TA you are classed as a key worker anyway needed in schools? So hopefully you’ll be ok.
So much uncertainty! 
Izzybuzzybuzzybees · 19/03/2020 22:35
I think if you’re still getting the benefits of tax credits or whatever then you’d need to pay? I use two different childcare providers. I only know what one of them is doing and they want fees paid in full
LadyFuschia · 19/03/2020 22:38
I am, because we are both going to have stable incomes and feel it is the right thing to do. We might be her only income for now. Obvs this is not possible for others but maybe our actions will take the pressure off you all a bit!
2020bye · 19/03/2020 22:39
Yes you don’t get the universal credit until you’ve proven that you’ve paid anyway. And even then it’s only 85% of costs back.
But my concern is if I pay the childcare as requested and then don’t get the 85% back in universal credit because they are closed.
Also wondered if others are being asked to pay in full....
Cailinnua · 19/03/2020 22:49
I think it is working differently here in Ireland, all crèches have been closed completely. I would have been happy to pay as usual, I get full salary whilst at home, if it meant the childcare workers were paid.
Unfortunately the staff have have been let go, they are retaining our March payments in full and we will pay a percentage in April to retain places for when they reopen.
I really feel for everyone who has lost their job, but am heartbroken for the amazing ladies that have been taking care of my child this year. I hope they are safe and healthy, and return when the creche reopens.
I also hope they get a pay rise then! They really do deserve to be paid more.
peekaboob · 19/03/2020 23:06
DDs have sent an email tonight to say that they are revising April's invoice to only include staff wages and building costs. This will carry over to May then another review.
They have explicitly said if parents don't pay they fees then they will close. The directors and senior management will not be drawing a salary.
2020bye · 20/03/2020 07:18
I guess just covering their costs during a time like this is a sensible measure. I hope we don’t lose too many childcare providers through this!
unhappyclap · 20/03/2020 07:22
DS's nurseryhas said we only have to pay for the month of March which I had already done. OP you are right, you pay nursery fees and then UC give you back a percentage, so technically you will be out of pocket for a bit.
Nursery had initially said that if you receive UC then you should still pay, but they have since changed their stance. Yes UC will give you some of it back but you still have to pay it from your own pocket first. I would rather use the money to buy things that DS may need during the time he is home.
unhappyclap · 20/03/2020 07:23
Ideally, this is where the govt should be stepping in to support the nurseries to keep open.
2020bye · 20/03/2020 07:59
Yea they should! Parents are focusing on keeping themselves in a job and getting paid without having the stress of keeping their childcare services open too!
BatleyTownswomensGuild · 20/03/2020 08:12
We have a childminder and she's going to be absolutely stuffed. We are currently in the position where we can afford to pay her for a while, so we will for as long as possible. But I understand that's not an option for a lot of people...
TheTiaraManager · 20/03/2020 15:13
My DC's nursery have yet to clarify what will happen with fees. I'm on mat leave so we're lucky as I had dropped their hours so even if they charge it will be less than usual, but it will still be money we may have to payout
MotherOfWren · 20/03/2020 15:38
We aren't paying, we received an email to advise that if our children aren't attending then they will be pausing fees until they reopen.
Knocksomesense · 20/03/2020 15:41
We have both lost our jobs. I will do everything I can to try to keep paying but I'm not even sure yet if I can pay my mortgage beyond next month
Holdmenow · 20/03/2020 15:51
No...I use a pay as you go Afterschool service so no attendance means no charge.
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