Paying fees when ill

[rosy71]

Ds2 (4) fell over at home on 1st Feb and fractured his femur. He spent just over 3 weeks in hospital in traction, then had a week of physio. He's now home, but can't walk; I think it's going to be a long time before he's back to normal and able to go to nursery. However I'm still paying for his nursery place. There is a clause in the nursery agreement which says there are no deductions for illness or absence. My question is: has anyone else had experience of long term absence from nursery and had any form of deduction in fees or is it something that's non-negociable?

I'm really sorry you're in this position, but I'd say it's non-negotiable. Nurseries are on tight margins and they would be simply unable to afford to hold a place open for free.

I think your options might be to relinquish the place (perhaps asking for a partial waiver on compassionate grounds of notice period from when they re-fill the place) or seek a discounted retainer rate, though the reduction may not be much, as the biggest expense is costs for staff, who need to continue to be employed; you might get something off in respect of food and other consumable materials that aren't actually being consumed.

I hope your DS makes a good recovery.

Could he really not go in for a couple of hours here and there. He could easily join in quite a few activities without having to walk.

Nursery should be able to accommodate a non-walking child, talk to the SENCo about adjustments they could make to help your DC. They could put him on a temporary statement for mobility.
BTW are you getting DLA for your DS? His mobility issues should qualify him, and take the pressure off your finances.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to have to go in and talk to them about it. I'm hoping for some sort of reduction but I don't know how likely that'll be. He could go in for a couple of hours here and there but that's not easy when I'm at work all day. I'm also more worried about another child bumping his leg than him not being able to walk.

Unless they are able to get another child to temporarily take hour ds's space, and then leave when he comes back, I don't think there in any chance of you getting a reduction.

Nursery will argue that he is physically able to attend nursery, it is your concerns that prevent him from coming in.
Could the physio recommend a removable cast that would support and protect the leg during nursery?
Can you agree a care plan to ensure your DS does not come to harm? They will be keen to prevent further injury under their care.

I agree, strictly speaking there is no obligation of the nursery to give you a reduction, but there may be some room for negotiation. If the nursery knows its going to be a long term issue, they can try to re-organise their staffing rotas etc. My nursery lets you drop days (for Number 1) if you're on maternity leave with Number 2. I know they do this on the basis that theywill get increased fees when 2 children return, but the point I'm trying to make is that in some circumstances, they can offer reductions / retainers.

Some good news - the nursery have agreed to refund half of February's fees. That's the month he was in hospital. So it's worth asking!

That's really good news!