Fiddle, what in your view would be a service that meets your expectations, rather than falling short? I think a number of parents at the moment have some kind of sense of 'not meeting expectations' because a full day in school isn't being provided as usual, but can't quite work through what 'meeting expectations' might be in the current circumstances. So they feel a bit aggrieved (often because they are having to make a bigger input with their children or because their children are not engaged directly by teachers from 8-4) but haven't really thought about what is actually possible during these circumstances.
People can take a short term view and say they haven't received the 8-4 teaching they paid for and so won't pay for the period it isn't available. Schools will then find they need to lay teachers off and when normal school resumes, the service available won't be what you expect then either.
I really think there is a failure of imagination amongst some people. There is a failure to see that the current times are very unique, but hopefully temporary. There is a failure to see beyond the 'I paid for X,y,z' and unless I get X, y,z in that exact form, I shouldn't have to pay. There is a failure to show some kind of patience - appreciating that changing a whole system doesn't just happen instantly, but people are working really hard to improve it all the time. There is a failure to see that what children can manage in terms of concentration and focused work at home isn't 8-4 solid and that younger ones will need significant adult input. There is a failure to recognise that discounts have been offered to reflect the fact the service isn't the same as signed up for and that schools face costs which are very close to thesis they would have if open as usual. Mostly, there is s failure to think through the implications of people not paying now on the future of the schools and therefore the education available to our children.
I think there are some cross and grumpy parents out there. The ones complaining and suggesting withholding fees often have the least understanding of what education really involves or that at its most successful, it always involves input from parents, regardless of how much is being paid. The people complaining want the school to fully occupy their children 8-4 and a lot of the upset is the fact that as parents they are now having to do more of the occupying - but that is the reality of lockdown. There is a failure to see the bigger picture and to take a 'bear with' attitude which is needed during these kind of times. I suspect the people wanting to withhold fees, have also cut of payment to their cleaners instantly and wouldn't consider continuing any of their subscriptions so the services might still be there in future. It's very much a short term view about now.
But when those services aren't what they were before the virus, I expect the same people will be first to complain. But they won't have any appreciation that some of their actions now have contributed to services in further being worse.
Again, it's all about communication,Mather than just quietly seething about the provision. Speak clearly and frequently if you are not satisfied and don't expect the school to know by osmosis. Tell them exactly what they are not providing that you expect for your 70% fees. Ask them to get back to you about changes.
But pay up, as your contract requires as as the school requires so it can pay its staff next week. Keep the communication going all term if needed - as a paying parent you are very entitled to talk about the provision - as someone who has reneged on their contract, you really aren't.
When will you be paying Op - it's not several days after the D start of term.