Is it normal for nursery to keep deposit if you take a place?

[sj2014]

Hi
Is it normal for a nursery to keep a deposit to secure a place if you take the place? I assumed it would be deducted from the fees. The deposit was labelled non-refundable, but because of the term "deposit", rather than "fee", I'd assumed it would only be kept if I decided not to take the place. Is this usual practice as I'm feeling short changed!

They will hold on to it for the duration of time you use the nursery. When you leave, if you give the asked notice period, they will deduct the deposit from your last bill.

We got our deposit back when we left. It wasn't deducted from the first months fees. Maybe they will do that? I

The deposit is normally refunded from your last months fees not your first. Its in case you leave without notice
But if its non- refundable then its a registration fee and you won't get it back

Yes, it's normal for a non-refundable deposit not to be refunded.

The (usually rather larger) deposit the is required alongside it is typically refunded when you leave the nursery, assuming proper notice to quit was given.

I never got mine back.

Thanks. I asked if it would be returned when we planned to leave the nursery and they said no

Normal here. You dont get it back at all, even if they dont find you a place. Its essentially a fee to get on the waiting list. It was £90 12 years ago so god knows what they cgarge now.

I think "deposits" are things you get back. Nurseries usually take it off the last bill. If it's not being returned it's a "payment". Dodgy.

If you're never going to get it back it does sound more like a registration fee. Did they give you a letter describing it when you paid ?

yes.
and they deducted it from the final invoice