nursery places -what are our rights?

[ryedalema]

Sorry for starting another thread - but I have a dilemma I hope you can help with.

Our #1 daughter is happily ensconced in nursery full time and I chose the nursery for ease of commute when I go back to work and also so that both children can go to the same place, come July when 'littlest hobo' will be 6 months. I was told by the nursery manager when I registered #1, that there would be no problem registering #2 in July and getting her in straight away as she had a sibling there already.

On a hunch I enquired again yesterday to be told that the place was definitely not secured and that there was a waiting list so it was highly doubtful that there would be a place in July. Unless I signed #2 up now for a p/t place starting mid April (she'll be 4 months old), and then she'll be able to go f/t in July. My OH, as do I, think this is very young to start nursery, regardless of the extra (big cough here) financial implications of starting her 2 months earlier than planned.He also thinks the nursery has a verbal contract, which they should honour. Should I:

a) argue with the nursery about the verbal contract

b) start her earlier and swallow the extra costs

c) if b - try and negotiate with work to come back earlier (not my favourite option as I'll miss the littl'un loads, but it'll help financially)

d)anyone got any better ideas?

Your help always welcome forumites - I could do with some clearheadness here - but sleep depravity (haha) is not my friend right now :-)

[littleEDfamily]

I would favour a), but just be matter of fact about it and say the in an email (get something in writing) that you chose this nursery because they stated a space would be available for Number 2 as required, so you would be very disappointed if they have since altered their stance. Then just ask how much of a deposit they require to secure Number 2's spot for July (which would be deducted from her first month's fees), and then when you see them act like it's a done deal. If they resist, I would ask politely if there is an area manager you could speak to, and then really press the idea about the verbal contract and play a bit hardball.

I can understand nurseries are a business like any other, but changing their tune to the extent that people feel they are pressured into returning to work before they're ready is totally unfair!! It may be slightly different if there were genuinely no places coming up for the foreseeable future, but in this case there IS a place, so they just need to swallow the loss of income for a couple of months IMO!

[nikki73]

Also agree you should push for a. You've probably thought of this but in worse case scenario c maybe you could go back part time to start off and/or use your accrued holiday leave so you get to spend time more time with the littl'un - maybe even work from home ion part so you don't waste time commuting

[Saila]

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