Averaging nursery fees over the year

[fallenoverflowerpot]

Just trying to work out what is normal.
DS's nursery charges monthly, relating to how many days he does in the month (i.e. the number of Mon/Tues/Wednes/days varies depending on the month, so we can pay for between 12 and 16 days as he does a 3 day week)
PLUS POINTS: we pay for what we use
MINUS POINTS: is hassley as I have to make a new transfer every month

DD's nursery charges 10 months/worth of a monthly fixed amount, covering 11 months of care (they're closed in August).
PLUS POINTS: we know exactly what we're paying and it's always the same
MINUS POINTS: we effectively have to pay a fair amount 'up front' because we the last payment is 1 June, but the nursery only closes 31 July.

What's normal? What's acceptable?

Our nursery works out the number of days attended each week (2 mornings each for our 2 DC) then times it by 51 weeks (they shut over Christmas) and then divide the result by 12 equal monthly payments so we have a regular standing order going out for the same amount each month which makes budgeting easier

What's normal? I don't know

What's acceptable? Whatever you're happy with

Ah, ok, so the issue is that neither nursery is open anything like 51 weeks - more like 46. So August comes 'free', and other months vary quite a lot.

DS's nursery is trying to decide whether to change to the standing order system, and if so, how many months to average payment over (10 or 11). Just wondering what systems other nurseries (which also have long closed periods) use.

DC's nursery is only open term time so they work out your bill for each term at the begining of that term and you can pay it all at once or monthly over the term (usually 3 installments).