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Should I change nursery? Am i overreacting?

8 replies

alimak9 · 23/02/2026 18:58

Hello, I’d really appreciate some advice because I’m not sure if I’m overreacting about my child’s nursery or if my frustration is justified.

My toddler has been attending this nursery for just over a year. Overall, he seems settled and well cared for, but there have been ongoing issues that feel unprofessional.

Their communication is poor and there are frequent invoicing mistakes. They charge a full month in advance and have, on multiple occasions, charged the same week twice when it overlaps two months. Each time I point it out, they apologise and correct it — but it keeps happening. It’s frustrating to feel like I have to double-check every invoice to make sure we’re not being overcharged. Even simple things, like sending a Christmas newsletter in January, make it seem like they don’t properly review what they send out.

My child attends three days a week — two funded by government hours and one that we pay for. In the latest invoice, they added £10 per funded day (£20 per week), meaning £80 extra for the month, without any prior communication. When I questioned it, they said it was a “mistake” and that we should have been paying this since we started, but they wouldn’t backdate it. They claimed it’s stated on their website, but it isn’t — and it’s not in the contract we signed either.

They don’t provide meals or sun cream — only nappies and fruit — so £20 per week feels excessive. I understand costs like electricity and insurance have increased, but I feel this should have been clearly communicated rather than quietly added to the invoice.

Part of me wants to move my child due to the accumulation of errors and lack of transparency. The other part feels guilty about disrupting him at two years old and making him adapt to a new setting.

Am I overreacting? What would you do?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
marcyhermit · 23/02/2026 19:47

Do you have anywhere to move to?

Is the £10 a day just for nappies and fruit? You could ask to provide your own.

Ginagogo · 23/02/2026 20:50

I wouldn’t rush to pull your child out but I’d want clarify for what the extra charges are actually for, especially if that doesn’t include food. I would expect to pay £2 max for a days nappies and snacks but I know some nurseries do like to add these random charges

Vestus · 23/02/2026 20:54

Will he go to preschool soon? I think I’d look to see where might help him next, rather than pull out of one nursery for another. My experience is none of them are perfect. Is he happy and is he safe. Those would be my priorities. And keep checking the bills carefully.

alimak9 · 23/02/2026 21:15

Ginagogo · 23/02/2026 20:50

I wouldn’t rush to pull your child out but I’d want clarify for what the extra charges are actually for, especially if that doesn’t include food. I would expect to pay £2 max for a days nappies and snacks but I know some nurseries do like to add these random charges

I did ask what was that charge for and she said that the government hours don’t cover much… the bills, insurance etc are expensive. And to take or go. Not exactly with those words but basically meant that.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 23/02/2026 21:17

Most nurseries will charge similar to meet the gap between funding and actual costs

alimak9 · 23/02/2026 21:19

marcyhermit · 23/02/2026 19:47

Do you have anywhere to move to?

Is the £10 a day just for nappies and fruit? You could ask to provide your own.

Well, I got in touch with a couple of childminders in my area that seem available but we haven’t agreed on anything yet as I’m taking my time to think about it. I don’t want to rush into something that I might regret. The £10 are not optional.

OP posts:
Sunshineclouds11 · 23/02/2026 21:22

I double check my invoices monthly so that wouldn't bother me.
them getting it wrong some months, annoying maybe but easily done I think when doing so many.

I pay the extra £80 but this includes meals and snacks, I supply nappies etc.
it is the new norm so abit poor they've only just realised now.

Sunshineclouds11 · 23/02/2026 21:23

To answer question sorry.
if my child was happy and well looked after it wouldn't make me want to move them.

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