Nursery fees in advance

[Charlene1]

Been to see a nursery today and me and dd loved it! Only trouble is, their terms are a months fees in advance. Non negotiable - "want place, money first" I also need to find a childminder for ds, who will probably want paying in advance, although I know they're more flexible. How do I pay for it?? Any job I get will pay me after a month, tax credits won't pay until I start work, have no savings, can't get loans, no credit card/overdraft, can't borrow from family - but I have to get a job and therefore need childcare whilst working. We're talking paying full time fees here by the way. Thought of starting dd pt before starting work to build up and settle in, as the settling in sessions are only an hour at a time. I should be OK after the first month, but I can't be the only one who's had this problem? What do you do? Nursery Manager said she could vary "session hours" if I go pt, e.g if I work long hours for 3 days, then 2 half days or something, to save paying for full days. Need the full time wage to justify working in the first place. I stupidly thought I'd pay in arrears once I started earning. Luckily there's no deposit, just a registration/admin fee, (non refundable), but if I change my mind then a months fees become payable in lieu of notice.

[Hattie05]

This is standard procedure for most nurseries i'm afraid.

I suppose your only options are to a) borrow the money, b) speak honestly to the manager and see if she can help or c) when you get a job ask for a sub?

[Katymac]

I wouldn't count on a childminder being more flexible....we generally aren't

Non negotiable - "want place, money first" sounds like the way I work

Sorry...unfortunatley mortgages need paying and (even tho' I've only minded for 3 yrs) I've lost over £2000 because "I'll get the money to you asap"...it makes one very hard

[Charlene1]

Katymac, I realise they are making sure they get paid, but they must lose customers this way - 2 weeks wouldn't be too bad, but 4 wks for 2 kids!!! Especially if a childminder charges me full time as well for ds. I would not even earn that much per week! I'll be relying on tax credits coughing up to pay for it all.

[bubble99]

This is standard practice, Charlene, and most nurseries will ask for one month's deposit too.

[Katymac]

If you are unemployed (or a returner to the work place) the job centre can help (I think/hope )

[Charlene1]

tried that - you have to be a lone parent or on IS. Don't know what to do. Have applied for job with flexible hours, but they won't be very impressed if they find out I've got kids and money worries!