Let down by nursery - before I've even started!

[suewright]

I had a place at a nursery - paid the deposit, had it confirmed in writing. Five weeks before due to start, they turned round and said actually they didn't have a place after all and there was nothing they could do about it! Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? and is there anything I can do about it? Now desperately looking for childcare but at such short notice, it's not easy.

That is disgusting- they have obviously cocked up in their forward planning but even so they should give you a better explanation & I hope refund your deposit AT LEAST!!

A strongly worded letter letting them know how badly this has let you down would be in order.

Have they given you any ideas WHEN a place will come up? (not saying you'd WANT it but....)

Get on the phone quick & start ringing around other nurseries-you might find someone who has had a parent pull out & left a gap but otherwise I'd be suspicious of any nursery that had vacancies at this stage for 5 weeks hence.

Poor you -good luck!

And ask for interest on the deposit too!!!!

What area are you in....maybe someone can recommend a good nursery or childminder

Check the small word in the contract....... wouldn't take no for answer....their cock up!

thank you for all your messages. I'm in London E11 - if anyone can recommend a good nursery or childminder I would be really grateful. Even willing to consider a nanny share if there was one convenient.

I am going to go back to them and give them hell!!

Is it a chain or independent nursery, and how long ago had you registered?

It is one of two nurseries owned by the same person. I went to look at it last Sept/ Oct and registered in Oct - the day after I'd been to see it as they told me they had plenty of space. They did take a while to get back to me but in Dec they confirmed I had a place and I dropped round my deposit the very next day. I have a feeling they are in breach of contract but I'm not sure what good that will do me.

You could try this site and put in your postcode.

One day our Nursery called, claiming there was a gas leak and we should stay away. Next day it went into liquidation. So much for trust...