Guest Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 HELP!! We have a child who comes to us for three full day sessions a week at present. Her parent emailed me out of the blue last week wanting to change her sessions for this coming week to three morning sessions only and then for her not to come at all during August as they have family looking after the child, but want her space back in September. I have told parent we need one months notice to change her sessions and that she will still be charged throughout August for her space. How would any of you deal with this? Have I done the correct thing? Thank you for any help/advise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amarrian Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I imagine it depends entirely on your terms and conditions, whether your parents are aware of them or, better, whether they have signed a contract. If there is no contract between you (implied or actual), then you may be on uncertain ground (I am not a lawyer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsbat Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I imagine it depends entirely on your terms and conditions, whether your parents are aware of them or, better, whether they have signed a contract. If there is no contract between you (implied or actual), then you may be on uncertain ground (I am not a lawyer) I agree with this too and this is why we now get parents to sign confirming they know that children are paid for if they miss pre-school etc. If they haven't done this I would say to them that you will keep the place for them but only if no one else asks for it - if they are desperate for the place they may pay for it - well you could hope anyway....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redjayne Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 It's a difficult one - yes the parents sign to say they agree to the T's and C'S and the times of notice periods and changes - but things often change within a family, and work etc, which means they are unable to give notice. This may be a financial issue with this family, hence the rapid change of times etc, and even if you charge them full fees I expect you would have to chase the money - often at a cost and a loss of goodwill. I would compromise - tell them they will have to pay the full days fee's for this week whether used or not, and charge them a retainer ( maybe £50 a week) to hold the space through August for them. You don't want them to refuse to pay and walk - then pursuing the money is made even harder ! This way you get some revenue and they have the chance to regroup and sort things for the new term. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I would charge them full fees. They need to give you notice. We have bills and mortgages to pay and we cant ask companies to stop charging us while our customers swap/change/cancel hours. I have a 6 week notice period and enforce this unless a change in hours is beneficial (ie, I prefer not to work it or have someone waiting for a space). If you are happy not to have the child in the holidays and can afford to lose the money then I would maybe charge a retainer to keep the space open for them in September but otherwise stick to your guns! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lashes2508 Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 has this parent been made aware of the admissions policy - i expect they have and may need reminding - explain to them the repercussions this decision has on your setting and why you have it in place - ask them in a diplomatic way if they are experiencing financial difficulty and need some help to pay in terms of installments etc - show you understand the predicament they may be in but all the while making it clear that this is not normal practice and you are using your discretion but ask for a retainer and emphasise this is a one off and not to be encouraged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. Yes they are aware of the terms and conditions but are choosing to ignore them. They are wanting to save themselves money (which was mums own words this morning) through August as they have an older child so its cheaper for family to have them at home then pay two lots of childcare fee's. I have now offered that they can pay half fee's through August so we can keep space open for September. Still not happy and have said they have decided they won't be paying for August and she won't becoming back in September Now i'm debating whether I should push for a months notice to end contract! Feel so disheartened after we have done a lot to accommodate the family in the past. So frustrating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 I completely understand your frustration but in my opinion you acted professionally and tried to be helpful. Don't be hard on yourself, you can't please everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 If you have stated they must give notice then thats what need to be done put it in writting to them. I had some thing very much like this also make it clear that you will seek legal action to reclaim moneys owed and that your legal fees paid my your insurance , that you don't want to do this but will as you both has a legal contract. If you dont get the reson you want then when you do new contracts make sure you oput it in writting and make them sign it. you deserve your money like every one else , makes me mad as people are giving you there most treasured thing there children yet want to cop out with money. Alos nother tip give them term time rates and holiday rates for all children in your care , so they know whats what and hopefully you wont have this again..................good luck x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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