Nursery cancellation fees

Mattybopeep

Hi everyone, 
Just looking for a bit of advice, my daughters nursery have emailed me and my partner to ask what our current childcare needs are. We have not had her attending since March and have told them previously when they have asked that we do not need childcare as my partner is working from home. Yesterday they emailed and we told them the same, they then replied saying that to cancel her place it would be four weeks dues which is £400. Surely they can't charge a cancellation fee when we are in unprecedented times and we do not feel safe having our child in a building full of strangers. Has anyone got any idea where we stand.
Tia 

Potbellypig

Have you read the contract that you (or your partner) signed? 

Mattybopeep

We weren't given a copy of any paperwork and there are no terms and conditions online for our nursery

[Deleted User]

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6152162/schools-childcare-guidance#latest

gary83

looking at it from the nursery’s point of view it’s now been 3 months since you stopped using their services, they might have closed during that time but they’ll still have some overheads to pay. 

Now the economy is trying to open up again and people are starting to go back to work how long should the nursery keep your place open? That’s a spot someone else’s child might use and the nursery could see some much needed money coming in. 

Mattybopeep

We don't want them to hold her place, we are taking her out of nursery. 

sharpe106

Then you have to follow what the contract says for termination, why should this be any different? 

Grumpy_chap

Is this "to cancel her place it would be four weeks dues which is £400." the normal cancellation fee that applies at normal times?

I don't see any reason why this should not apply now.  You state the nursery place is not required because of working from home, so it is entirely possible that you have not been financially impacted because of coronavirus.  Also, what will you do for child-care if the working from home comes to and end?  At that point, you may be grateful that you kept on good terms with the nursery.

Mattybopeep

My partner is not returning to work on medical advice as she is pregnant so we will not be needing any child care. I'm just wondering under the current circumstances if anything can be done as she hasn't been attending anyway 

sharpe106

That is your choice for her not attending, it does not change the contract. 

Grumpy_chap

So, the notice to the nursery is still due as per the agreement with them.  That seems to mean a payment of £400.

With second child on the way, worth staying in the nursery's good books as you never know when you will need them in the future.