Do I need to involve my child's dad in nursery if he won't contribute to fees

[LifeWithMelissaJ]

Hi all

Would anyone know where I stand with this?

My son recently started going to nursery so that I can go back to work. His dad and I are separated and I am my sons primary carer but his name is on the birth certificate. He sees his dad once a week. I know that legally his father doesn't have to contribute to nursery fees but I asked him if he would and after a few arguments and him changing his mind a few times he has now decided that he won't help.

My questions are:

• do I legally have to add him as a contact at nursery?
• does he have a right to attend parent days if he refuses to contribute to the fees?

He's their dad. Cutting him out of an important part of your kids life is pretty spiteful.
You've got to love your kid more than you hate each other.

No you don’t legally have to add him, and if he’s not interested in supporting his kid why should you go out of your way to ensure he goes to parents days?

Are you claiming whatever you are entitled to in terms of UC / funded childcare hours etc?

Does he Pay CMS?

No you don't have to add him or include him.

@Hellodarknessmyoldfrien this is childcare. Not school when I woukd say yes include him. But nursery which is childcare allowing her to work - then no

Both parents (if they have PR) have a legal right to information about their child from nursery/school etc. Many schools and nurseries have separated parent policies regarding things like parents evenings, reports etc.

Whether your ex receives information about your child shouldn't be dependent on whether he's paying the fees.

Does your nursery have policies on this? Ours want contact details for everyone with parental responsibility, if possible.

I presume you don’t have to add him, but if he contacts them himself and asks, he will be added and updated.

DfE require that we hold the names of those with PR for each child. If you don't have his contact details then you can't give but that doesn't stop him having rights. He can collect the child if he wishes, and he has the right to any details and information that the nursery has on the child's development.

It will only be your child who loses out in a petty war. You're supposed to love your child more than you hate each other.

Does he pay child support? This is supposed to cover all costs, but I know that realistically it often doesn't.

You can put whatever contacts you want.