My DS's pre-school are increasing their top-up fees from £1.70 to £2.50, having increased them earlier in the year from £1.10 - so effectively a 130% increase in less than 12 months. This goes against their declared terms and conditions that the additional 1/4 hour will be charged as a proportion 1/11th of their funded places - now at £12.50 (up from £12.10).
They are a very good pre-school but I am concerned at this increase as I feel that it is very short-termist. I feel that such increases are likely to alienate parents and lead to reduced fees as parents either take children out early, cut back on / not increase sessions (we are not now going to increase to 5/week) or simply leave. It will also have the effect of dissuading new parents from choosing the school in the first place.
I am also worried that with a charge of £2.50 for 1/4 hour they are ill-prepared for the increase to 3 hour funded sessions which will probably mean less for more.
I really do love the school - my DD1 attended, my DS is there now and ultimately I would like it to be there for by DD2. i hate to 'complain' especially as they have a real hard time filling the committee but I cant help feeling that thier current approach to funding is reckless.
I am wondering if I am being overly worried or whether their approach seems OTT to others.