6 week's deposit in addition to paying the month up front.

[Adriana87]

Hi all

Previously my son went to quite an expensive nursery (£72 a day) and the deposit was one week and monthly payment was within 30 days of the invoice. We changed nurseries and now I'm coming back from maternity he's going full time. This nursery is substantially cheaper (it shows in some areas) but what they are asking for I find ridiculous. He's being going there for around 4 months, just on the 30 hours (2 days a week) and looking to go full time in March.

They want 6 weeks deposit in addition to paying for the month up front on the 1st day. In total it's well over £1,500. I questioned this and they said they have a lot of parents who don't pay their outstanding fees.

This doesn't make sense to me. Surely the deposit should be, at most, one month and if I'm paying for the month on the first day, what's the danger of fees not being paid? If they're not paid, then the child shouldn't be admitted into nursery.

Before I questioned this again, I wanted to check whether this is normal or not..

Sounds right to me I am a childminder I take a months deposit payable at contract signing and then charge a month in advance. My deposits are non refundable if space is then not taken up or you leave in first 12 weeks. It’s refunded at end of care so long as no money is owed and I am given 4 weeks written notice.

Forgot to say I charge all fees in advance,I have had non paying parents in the past so no more favours when it comes to payment. You can’t pay you don’t get any childcare until all fees up to date and you still have to pay for missed days.

@Apple40

Forgot to say I charge all fees in advance,I have had non paying parents in the past so no more favours when it comes to payment. You can’t pay you don’t get any childcare until all fees up to date and you still have to pay for missed days.

What you said makes sense and was my expectation. 6 weeks though, can't see the point, especially if you're getting the month paid up front.

Sounds like they charge by half terms for deposit, what is the notice period is that a half term too? If this is the nursery's TCs you will have no option but to pay it if you want the space. I have had parents come to visit me who then think they own me, I am employed by them ... they start to tell me how to run my business, negotiate on my fees (wanting to pay less) deposits (not pay one) and then telling me how they be paying ( end of month in arrears, not paying if child off sick , on holiday) etc the space is no longer there for them.