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Nurseries

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Original poster

40% increase in nursery fees in 9 months

11 replies

Dreambow · 30/03/2023 12:20

Hi,

We are based in SE London. Signed up last year for baby to start nursery in Jan of this year. Baby is full time as we both have to work full time. He is 11 months old now.

Prior to signing up we were informed there would be a 10% increase in fees in sept last year - accepted this as costs have gone up. Informed last week that fees will go up 30% more from May. This is £300 a month extra.

They have priced it that 4 day and 5 day children have a 30% increase and all other children a 10% increase. I have complained to the nursery re the extent of the fee increase and also questioned why 4 day and 5 day children are unfairly targeted.

They refuse to reconsider and blame it on everything going up on price.

Is there anyway we can take it further? Complain to CMA? (Competition and Markets Authority) or any other governing board? Any advice is much appreciated 🙏

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Lexi41 · 30/03/2023 12:32

Why would they only increase for those going 4/5 days?! That doesn’t make sense.
most nursery’s I looked at either had the same day rate no matter the days, or slightly decrease every additional day…

lqpwahs · 30/03/2023 12:37

You aren't forced to use their services so I guess they will just say if you don't like it you can move your child somewhere else.

BouncingWorms · 30/03/2023 12:41

I assume there was a discount for being in 4/5 days and now everyone is paying the same per day rate, it’s unlikely you’re paying more per day than someone only in 1/2 days.

Original poster

Dreambow · 30/03/2023 12:43

@Lexi41 I know it makes no sense. £300 extra a month is a crazy increase as well. Some parents have 2 children in the nursery… no idea how they will afford it.

OP posts:

Original poster

Dreambow · 30/03/2023 12:44

@lqpwahs that’s the issue. Just feels such a phenomenal increase in a short space of time. And unfair to increase the full time children with a higher proportion compared to part time

OP posts:

SheilaFentiman · 30/03/2023 12:44

BouncingWorms · 30/03/2023 12:41

I assume there was a discount for being in 4/5 days and now everyone is paying the same per day rate, it’s unlikely you’re paying more per day than someone only in 1/2 days.

Yes, this is probably it

SheilaFentiman · 30/03/2023 12:47

I am fairly sure they feel they have no choice but to do this. The sector is basically on its knees.

Original poster

Dreambow · 30/03/2023 12:50

@BouncingWorms I think you might have hit the nail over the head with this. Is it common to have a 4/5 day discount? This wasn’t sold to us in this case way when we signed up but this probably explains the high increase in 4/5 day children.

Unfortunately we can’t drop down days as we both work full time and no family to help. We also have just settled our baby and long waiting lists on other nearby nurseries. So held to ransom.

Does anyone know if there a complaint to CMA or other body will be helpful?? Clutching at straws and very stressed as not sure how we can afford this hike

OP posts:

bunnypenny · 30/03/2023 12:51

the CMA won't be interested in this.

SheilaFentiman · 30/03/2023 13:01

Yes, it’s quite common in holiday childcare at least to have a “full week” discount so I can believe your nursery might have done this. It should be clear in your contract.

As long as they have given you the notice of the change of terms (usually 1 month) then they are entitled to do this. You would also be entitled to not accept them and give your 1 month’s notice. I appreciate this isn’t an option, though.

BouncingWorms · 30/03/2023 13:02

A week is normally a little less than 5 days, and a day is normally a little less than 10 hours.

I always assumed it was because it’s easier to hire full time staff and they don’t really want to be at half capacity on a Friday because overheads will be the same.

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