Montesorri Pre-School Charging for Website. Is this true?

[DJH1980]

Hi All,
My DS goes to a Montessorri pre-school in Bromley. He absolutely loves it there and just started the new term going 5 mornings a week.

We expected these hours to be covered by the governments free early education program and so it came as a surprise to receive a bill for £150.

When we went in and asked, we were informed this was a charge for access to the website.

Now the website is a great tool. It gives us updates on our sons progress and photos of him playing. But never once were we told there was a charge to use it. He attended 2 mornings a week last term and we were not charged then (coincidentally when we weren't under the free education program).

My question is have others been charged this fee? Like I said my son loves it there but I can't help feeling we're being fleeced a little bit.

Thank you.

I think it might be worth asking;

1. why this wasn't charged last year
2. if they could point out where in the contract you agreed with them there is explicit reference to a charge being taken this year
3. where on the website does it clearly state that a charge is applicable.

Based on those answers then decide your next course of action. I would agree though, it does sound as though they are attempting to cover the cost of the subsidised hours.

Sounds like a lot for a charge for access to a website. Is it a one off charge?

Sounds like they are trying to get round the rules and charge you top up fees by another route as they aren't allowed to charge top up fees by many LA.

Agree this is a way of getting round rules about top up fees. No website is worth that much. Have you signed a contract what did it say?

In addition to all the above comments I'd add:

-How often do you have to pay £150?
-What would happen if you refused?

If you are only accessing 15 hours they cannot charge you a penny, not a deposit, not for a snack nothing. They can suggest things, t shirts, vol contributions etc but you are under no obligation to take them. Do not pay it and if they argue the point, ring bromley early years team. They will advise.m