Parents threatening to leave before notice period, advice please?

[AdeleMarie88]

Hello all, it's been a long time since I have posted on here!!

I have a child who has been with me for 12months, doing 4 days a week. In sept this went down to two days with me and 2 days at nursery. I had always suspected that they were going to go there full time.

Yesterday I had a phone call to say child was leaving, and how much notice would I require so I said the agreed amount, 4 weeks, as stated and signed in our pacey contracts. Mom said ok I will let nursery know. This morning I received an email to say that the 4 day place is available now and nursery want him to start immediately or risk losing his place forever which is something they don't want since his name has been on the list since birth.

So they want to leave end of next week. I reminded them about 4 week notice period and they have said they have no intention of giving me four weeks and they can't afford to pay both settings so I have to deal with it. I have spoken to pacey and they have advised me what to do next but I basically have to wait until there is a debt.

I'm gutted and contemplating saying they may as well go now because I am going to have to stomach a loss in money either way. I would rather it was now and not a few weeks before Christmas.

What would you do? Shall I follow the letter of the law and go down legal route when they inevitably don't pay what they owe or shall I say leave now?

[JCrakers]

Oh my goodness...some people!

In my heart If they have no intention of paying I would tell them to do one!! :mad: but I'm not sure if that's the right answer lol. I don't have time for people like this so they would be straight off my books. Do you have the 'no intention of paying' in a written email?


I'm terrible at things like this so hoping someone with a more sensible answer comes along to help you with legal matters etc.

Good luck

[mama2three]

No way would I let them away with that.

I would point out they have entered a legally binding contract with you . and 4 weeks is the amount they need to pay. You are happy to provide care during that time.
They either need to wait the 4 weeks to start at nursery , or pay nursery as well. The choice is theirs , but the fact that pressure is being applied by the nursery does not mean that their legal obligation to you is diminished.

I would word it something along the lines of sorry to hear that nursery are putting you into this financial dilemma , however as per the terms of contract 4 weeks payment remains due. That you don't wish to follow the legal approach to receiving the fees but will if needed. Leave them in no doubt that they cant bully you into not being paid.

[AgentTink]

My own advice comes from what I personally do.

Once a parent is ready to leave I let them go whenever they wish as I have found it only causes tension for the last few weeks, and that is not an environment I can work in. My whole business is through word of mouth and it would only take one disgruntled set of parents and I potentially could lose new clients. There is also the added worry of the parents making a malicious complaint to ofsted if they feel peeved with the situation.

If they leave end of next week and you use yesterday as the first day of notice then they will have payed you 2 weeks of the notice period. Is the cost of the additional four days worth any hassle? THis is only something you can decide. If you make them stay for the 4 weeks how will relationship be for those 4 weeks? strained or normal? Would you be happy working in a strained environment for those 2 weeks?

[smurfette]

That's terrible.: I would also be inclined to say leave now and tough if they have no care for next week! Can't believe they have done that to you; you were good enough when they had no nursery space.! Have they paid you for this week and next? I am not sure I could work with them the last few days and wouldn't see why I should frankly, but I also don't know where you stand legally with this.. Can you ring pacey with this scenario and ask?

[AdeleMarie88]

Thank you both.

Yes the words they used in email, "we are not negotiating with you on this, we have no intention of paying for four weeks"

I'm blown away by their lack of respect to be honest. They keep emailing me but I have only responded twice, both times I have said the same thing, notice period is payable to x date. All I get in response is they are freelance they expect curtesy and understanding.

[AdeleMarie88]

Agent think- that's my thinking but then so seem totally hypocritical after mentioning terms of the contract.

Yes they have paid up until next week. It would leave me tight but wouldn't break me financially but that's not really the point. The terms of the contract shouldn't come be a surprise to them...

[BallyH]

As you are a Pacey member I would follow their advice. Send one more email, polite but worded strongly saying you both entered into a contract and you expect the notice period to be paid. Also mention that you ave taken legal adive and will act upon it if this is not agreed. Be prepared for a few weeks of a rough ride. But you have earned your money and need to be paid. Hopefully they are trying it on. Keep in contact with Pacey. Best of luck. Keep us posted..

[AdeleMarie88]

Pacey told me to issue a final bill for the remainder of the notice period and if child leaves with this debt then they will follow it up with parents. But until then I'm to stick to facts and communicate via email so I have proof of my responses.

[AdeleMarie88]

I've never been in this situation before, even after 4 yrs of childminding so I suppose I have been fortunate. *deep breath in*

[JCrakers]

Thank you both.

Yes the words they used in email, "we are not negotiating with you on this, we have no intention of paying for four weeks"

I'm blown away by their lack of respect to be honest. They keep emailing me but I have only responded twice, both times I have said the same thing, notice period is payable to x date. All I get in response is they are freelance they expect curtesy and understanding.

:mad:
I would put something along the lines of

Thank you for your email regarding the nursery place you have been offered for xxx.
As the signed contract states, a 4 week notice period is due from (date) and care will be offered until (date)

As you are unwilling to stick to the terms in the contract and have told me that you don't intend to pay for the 4 weeks notice, I am cancelling the contract with immediate affect and care is terminated from today (date)
I wish you and xxx lots of luck for the future and if there is anything else you wish to discuss, please let me know

:D

I don't know legally if this is ok but this is what I would do....

[Mouse]

How many days have they got left that they have already paid for?

Personally, I would try cutting my losses. I would suggest that as the working relationship has broken down by their refusal to accept the terms of the contract, they should leave with immediate effect and you will take the money paid in advance in lieu of the notice period. At least that way you will get some money and wouldn't have to see them again.

The only time I have had a parent leave on bad terms was over something similar. They didn't want to pay 4 weeks notice as the nursery place became free at short notice. I offered a compromise and said they could pay 2 weeks notice which would work out 1 last week with me and one week when he'd started nursery. Mum was very rude and told me to forget it, shouting at me on the doorstep. I had a think about it, phoned her up, told her to come and collect her child immediately and not come back again. They'd paid for the week, so I knew I'd at least been paid for the work I did and a couple of extra days.

I think you need to look at the amount of money they owe you and decide if it's worth the hassle of taking them to court. I thought I was the sort of person who would fight for every penny I was owed, but when I was actually in that situation I just wanted rid of them as soon as possible and to move on to the next family.

[AdeleMarie88]

Mouse - 4 days they have paid for, taking them to the end of next week. The cynical side of me thinks the nursery have told them this all along but they have strung me on, it's probably not the case I'm just bitter and annoyed at the minute!

It's not the first time mum has been hard work but I put it down to her being an anxious parent, dad is usually very pragmatic and respectful, but I'm getting emails from both of them constantly and feel a bit ganged up on.

I don't want to make a silly decision but they clearly don't care about me.

[JCrakers]

Thank you both.

Yes the words they used in email, "we are not negotiating with you on this, we have no intention of paying for four weeks"

I'm blown away by their lack of respect to be honest. They keep emailing me but I have only responded twice, both times I have said the same thing, notice period is payable to x date. All I get in response is they are freelance they expect curtesy and understanding.

THEY expect curtesy and understanding :laughing:

[AdeleMarie88]

Oh yes crackers, because they have allowed me to have 15days off in last 12months 😫

[sing-low]

This sounds absolutely awful for you. I wonder if it would be worth phoning PACEY again and saying that you are being harassed by the parents and would this come under the immediate termination part of the contract? In any case, I would reply to parents in writing (not email) and state that this is now in the hands of your solicitor and you will not respond to any more emails regarding fees but have been advised to direct these to PACEY instead.

[Maza]

I'm sorry they are being like this to you. What ignorant people they are. Great advice given already. I also don't think I could continue to work with them but like others I don't know where you stand on this. Big hugs. x

[Mouse]

Mouse - 4 days they have paid for, taking them to the end of next week. The cynical side of me thinks the nursery have told them this all along but they have strung me on, it's probably not the case I'm just bitter and annoyed at the minute!

It's not the first time mum has been hard work but I put it down to her being an anxious parent, dad is usually very pragmatic and respectful, but I'm getting emails from both of them constantly and feel a bit ganged up on.

I don't want to make a silly decision but they clearly don't care about me.

So if they have given notice now it would cover this week, next week (when they would leave) and 2 additional weeks? They would owe money for 4 day's care?

If they are being stroppy I would email saying:

Dear Parents

Further to your emails and your refusal to comply with the terms of our contract, which you agreed to, I propose we end our contract with immediate effect. The money paid for this week and next week will be used in lieu of notice, so our contract will end as of today with no further fees being charged.

If you do not accept this proposal and continue to bring X to me while insisting that you will not pay the full 4 weeks notice as set out in our contract, you will leave me with no option other than to follow the legal advice I have been given. I would then expect you to show me the same courtesy and understanding that I continue to give you for the remaining time that X is with me.

I am sorry you have taken this approach and feel sad that it has soured the end of my time with X. Regardless of this I wish him all the very best at his new nursery.

[AdeleMarie88]

Yes that's right mouse, they strangely over paid last month which is why this month's invoice is a bit here and there. But they have paid until next week. If they were to follow the terms on the contract they should pay up until 2nd December which would mean 4 more days are owed.

[AdeleMarie88]

It's not a lot of money and I don't want to fall out with them. I cannot see how they are going to budge and pay up so I'm beginning to accept the idea I should just give notice now. It's so maddening! (Is that even a word?)

[Maza]

Mouse, I have to say you are very good at wording tricky emails/letters. I also often wonder why you chose your forum name? I think of mice as timid little things but you come across as very professionally assertive. I mean this as a huge compliment of course!

[hectors house]

Years ago I had a parent who shoved a notice letter through my front door as soon as I went on a 2 week holiday - they also were sending the child to Nursery - this is the letter I sent them.

RE: Termination of Childminding Contract

I was very shocked and saddened on my return from my holiday, to read your letter regarding your intention to terminate our childminding contract for X and whilst we shall all really miss her, I am sure that X will embrace whole heartedly the social side of Nursery.

I am however, unable to accept the period of notice mentioned. Please refer to page 3 of your copy of the NCMA contract which states “Period of notice to end the contract – 4 weeks (Notice of termination of the contract must be given in writing and should not include a period of holiday or paid time off.)” Note 25 on the back of page 3, clarifies this “Such notice of termination must not be given during a period of the registered childminder’s time off or where no fee has been given for time off.”

X's childminding place therefore remains available for her to use or you to pay for (in lieu of notice), until Friday, 23 November . If you are unsure of your legal position in this matter you can telephone the NCMA Legal advice line on 01253 777468, as I have done this morning.

I hope you enjoyed your holiday, and assume I will be seeing X tomorrow, as your letter was not completely clear whether or not she would be attending during the notice period. If this is not the case can you please contact me to arrange for collection of X's belongings (clothing, topic work etc), and payment in full for 4 weeks @ £115.50 per week.

Assuring you my best intentions at all time.

They did in the end send the child back for the whole 4 week notice period and it was absolute HELL - but I was so hell bent on making them respect the contract and adhere to the terms, so in hindsight I think I would let parents go especially if you think they could make trouble down the line.

[AdeleMarie88]

Thank you for another great response guys- that is my worry hector I don't want this to be unpleasant there is no need, that being said, I have contracts for a reason, as we all do, so i feel like a right hypocrite to just end it...I don't know what to do for the best, if they are going to be rude to me or begrudge sending their child here then it's probably best for them to be at nursery... I really appreciate all of your input!!

[Mouse]

Mouse, I have to say you are very good at wording tricky emails/letters. I also often wonder why you chose your forum name? I think of mice as timid little things but you come across as very professionally assertive. I mean this as a huge compliment of course!

I haven't always been this assertive, but after a long time in this job I've figured out what I'll put up with and what I won't! I run a very tight business and I'm very clear on my rules - stick to contracted times, pay on time and don't send sick children. Any parent who breaks my rules feels my wrath and doesn't usually dare do it again! They know that if they get that sort of email or letter from me I'm not happy and they're usually very apologetic!

But by being so strict on the business side means it doesn't normally need more than the occasional reminder and we never really need talk about it. Parents only really see the other side of me - fun, friendly, helpful, interested and always doing the best for their kids. They love me and are slightly terrified of me all at the same time :laughing::D

As for the username, I can't remember where it came from, but I am a cute fluffy little thing really ;)

[AdeleMarie88]

Just got another email saying how disappointed they are in me!

I am going to have a cup of tea and calm down, then send them an email back terminating contract with immediate effect

[JCrakers]

Just got another email saying how disappointed they are in me!

I am going to have a cup of tea and calm down, then send them an email back terminating contract with immediate effect

Sounds like they are trying to make you feel guilty by playing to your nice side. When will people learn that this is a job not a hobby :angry:

[AdeleMarie88]

I think they see me as the pesky hired help, as opposed to someone they should respect for looking after their child. If I was paying someone to look after my daughter I would treat them like the queen!!!

[Mouse]

Just got another email saying how disappointed they are in me!

I am going to have a cup of tea and calm down, then send them an email back terminating contract with immediate effect

:( I reckon that's what they're aiming for. They're hoping to wear you down so you'll give in. It'll come back to bite them on the bum though when you give immediate notice and they're stuck without childcare until nursery has their space.

[Kiddleywinks]

I agree with Mouse above - that's probably what they're aiming for

For 4 days, I think I'd let it go and know that by giving immediate notice you are probably going to upset their little applecart a bit.

For the future though, I would also take it as a learning curve and insist on 4 weeks deposit from any future clients to prevent the possibility of being 'out of pocket' again.
It's so hurtful when parents turn like this, so feel for you.

[Maza]

I'm very angry for you. I hate the fact that the emails are from both of them to one of you. Be strong, be professional and hold your head up high. x

[lollipop kid]

I'm very angry for you. I hate the fact that the emails are from both of them to one of you. Be strong, be professional and hold your head up high. x

Great advice and wording so far.

I would just add a word of caution that you ought NOT to send any email tonight, but wait until tomorrow when you can run the content of it past PACEY legal team and make sure first that you're not dropping yourself in it.

It's only a little bit of a delay. Better safe than sorry!

Good luck, and please take a deposit next time. (I've just had a parent give notice as well after 2 years, but I have the deposit to cover me, so I'm just going to work out the child's last day based on deposit in hand and any other monies owing and respond to the parent tomorrow. I want to be as fair to them as possible but at the same time, I intend to stay business-like at the same time - not a criticism of you by the way! It's just my no-nonsense way with these things as I have a lengthy Client service background behind me.)

Hope it all works out well for you and that the next family really appreciate you. (Funny how these things work out.)

:thumbsup: and big hug.

LK

[AdeleMarie88]

You are so right about the deposit, really learnt my lesson!!!!

I haven't sent anything tonight as I got another email asking for a copy of the contract, they have lost theirs, and they were quick to point out how I was refusing to listen to them and completely missing the point. The dad said he expected more from me because they were so good to me to allow me to have maternity (what the f-bomb!)

I've sent my other half on a wine run!

[Mouse]

You are so right about the deposit, really learnt my lesson!!!!

I haven't sent anything tonight as I got another email asking for a copy of the contract, they have lost theirs, and they were quick to point out how I was refusing to listen to them and completely missing the point. The dad said he expected more from me because they were so good to me to allow me to have maternity (what the f-bomb!)

I've sent my other half on a wine run!

Oh my word. Some people really have no idea, do they? I hope you manage to get this sorted quickly and can move on from them asap.

:group hug:

[Maza]

They are starting to embarrass themselves now! I think the fact that they lost the contract means they didn't ever really take it seriously. BUT why are they suddenly looking for it - are they starting to panic a bit?

[hectors house]

NCMA (as they were back when I sent my letter) helped me word my letter - not sure if PACEY could do the same for you now, ask them tomorrow - don't reply to any more e-mails, put everything in a letter it's more professional. (You could reply to them something like "I have been advised by my legal team to refrain from corresponding by e-mail".

[lollipop kid]

NCMA (as they were back when I sent my letter) helped me word my letter - not sure if PACEY could do the same for you now, ask them tomorrow - don't reply to any more e-mails, put everything in a letter it's more professional. (You could reply to them something like "I have been advised by my legal team to refrain from corresponding by e-mail".

Just a thought, but why should you respond tonight anyway? It's not as if they're paying you for your time.

Speak to Pacey tomorrow and don't do anything for now - it might help just to let them stew for a bit.

:littleangel:

LK

[loocyloo]

They are starting to embarrass themselves now! I think the fact that they lost the contract means they didn't ever really take it seriously. BUT why are they suddenly looking for it - are they starting to panic a bit?

I was thinking the same ... suddenly realising it was a contract and your 'proper job' not something you do for fun! And that you are not going to let them wiggle out of it.

Good luck. xx

[AdeleMarie88]

I was thinking the same ... suddenly realising it was a contract and your 'proper job' not something you do for fun! And that you are not going to let them wiggle out of it. Good luck. xx

That's interesting maybe you are right! X

[Ripeberry]

And they are messing around for 4 days care? What skinflints! I'd be planning to make sure that down the line what they 'saved' by not paying you would end up having to be spent by them 'in one way or another'. I can be very patient and creative.

[lollipop kid]

And they are messing around for 4 days care? What skinflints! I'd be planning to make sure that down the line what they 'saved' by not paying you would end up having to be spent by them 'in one way or another'. I can be very patient and creative.

I like your style, Ripeberry! I have been known to 'go sick' in the child's final week when a parent starts to play silly beggars. (Only used as a last resort mind, and I made sure no other families were affected.)

Shhhh!

:littleangel:

LK

[Kerry30]

I had something similar last year. The parent wouldnt tell me what days her lo was going to preschool, fobbing me off all the time. Eventually i got it out of her the day b4 my holiday. The week after she turned up and said i guess its their last day today. I replied that i'd had no notice. She shouted at me then cleared off. Was nice as pie on collection then went off on one. I burst into tears after they left. She didnt like the fact that i told her she signed a contract and either of our holiday couldnt be included in notice period. They were off on holiday the following day. I contacted morton michel, got advice on here and sent a letter to them accepting the verbal notice . I stuck to my guns and eventually got my money...a week after the date i gave them to pay by. I was told to stick to the facts and only contact them by letter. I even said los place would be available til xx date. I could see it all coming and i felt used. Im not at being assertive face to face. I hate confrontation. To me it was the principle, they signed the contract. Funny how people turn when moneys involved!

[loocyloo]

I like your style, Ripeberry! I have been known to 'go sick' in the child's final week when a parent starts to play silly beggars. (Only used as a last resort mind, and I made sure no other families were affected.)

Shhhh!

:littleangel:

LK

:-) :-) :-) like!

[mumofone]

I'd just let them go and just say you're sad to see the child go. I'd put it down to a bad experience and just move on ...

[hectors house]

I had something similar last year. The parent wouldnt tell me what days her lo was going to preschool, fobbing me off all the time. Eventually i got it out of her the day b4 my holiday. The week after she turned up and said i guess its their last day today. I replied that i'd had no notice. She shouted at me then cleared off. Was nice as pie on collection then went off on one. I burst into tears after they left. She didnt like the fact that i told her she signed a contract and either of our holiday couldnt be included in notice period. They were off on holiday the following day. I contacted morton michel, got advice on here and sent a letter to them accepting the verbal notice . I stuck to my guns and eventually got my money...a week after the date i gave them to pay by. I was told to stick to the facts and only contact them by letter. I even said los place would be available til xx date. I could see it all coming and i felt used. Im not at being assertive face to face. I hate confrontation. To me it was the principle, they signed the contract. Funny how people turn when moneys involved!


Mine was principle too - the mother ran her own beauty salon and thought she was a contender for "business woman of the year" and that I was nothing more than an employee, so I wanted to make her realise that a contract was a contract in the eyes of the law and that I wasn't going to bow down to her.

[tess1981]

The more I read the more I want to shout stick to your guns. This is why we have a contract . Your insurance company are there to give advise and help recover the money. It may be only 4 days pay but to some of us cms 4 days pay can be a difference between being able to afford to fill the oil tank this week or fix the car. I know a couple if years ago This was the case for me I would correspond by letter keep calm and professional and just repeat what is on your contract. As per Contract that you signed is always a good line ;) they say they have lost their contract therefore they probably had no idea of the terms on it and were really trying their luck and now realise they won't get of with it stand your ground!!!!

[AdeleMarie88]

I've slept on it and decided I need to see this through I won't give them notice, that won't benefit the child, who will miss me and his friends a lot.

I've spoken to parents this morning, given them a photocopy of their signed contract and will now not speak to them about it again. I'm not going to repeat myself to them time and time again.

I will keep you all updated! Xx

[Mouse]

I've slept on it and decided I need to see this through I won't give them notice, that won't benefit the child, who will miss me and his friends a lot.

I've spoken to parents this morning, given them a photocopy of their signed contract and will now not speak to them about it again. I'm not going to repeat myself to them time and time again.

I will keep you all updated! Xx

As in all of these cases, you have to do what is right for you. We can all give our thoughts, but at the end of the day it's your business and you have to do what you want to do.

As parents have asked for a copy if the contract, it does sound as if they're having second thoughts. Maybe they've taken advice on it and been told that if they have signed a contract they need to stick to it and can't just refuse to pay. Hopefully they'll start to feel ashamed about the way they've spoken to you and just pay up as agreed in the contract.

You are dealing with it all very professionally so just keep counting down the days till they've gone :thumbsup:

[AdeleMarie88]

I've really appreciated all of your advice it's been invaluable!

I have a feeling they will read the contract they should have read before they signed it, and realise I'm not being "discourteous" and perhaps we can then come to an agreement. I just won't be belittled.

Massive lesson learnt to always take deposits!!! It's a shame as I've never had to do that before because I tend to look after people's children who I vaguely know through Nct groups and mutual acquaintances and have just trusted them.

My co-ordinator told me to let it go. That doesn't sit comfortably with me, but neither does giving immediate notice. Hence my decision to wait it out for a bit

[lollipop kid]

I've really appreciated all of your advice it's been invaluable!

I have a feeling they will read the contract they should have read before they signed it, and realise I'm not being "discourteous" and perhaps we can then come to an agreement. I just won't be belittled.

Massive lesson learnt to always take deposits!!! It's a shame as I've never had to do that before because I tend to look after people's children who I vaguely know through Nct groups and mutual acquaintances and have just trusted them.

My co-ordinator told me to let it go. That doesn't sit comfortably with me, but neither does giving immediate notice. Hence my decision to wait it out for a bit

Money is one of those areas that it's easy to fall out over.

Just be very guarded while their child is still with you. No falls, bumps, or anything else that these parents might be able to use to complain to Ofsted about. (You'd be surprised.) I bet your co-ordinator has heard a lot of horror stories resulting from similar cases, and is just trying to give you her best advice. It's entirely up to you what you want to do - staying professional and not taking it personally is the first step.

I hope it works out for you.

All the very best,

LK

[JCrakers]

Yes, you have to do what you feel is best. You sound a lot more sensible than me...lol

Everyone handles situations differently so well done you for doing this. Everyone has had different experiences in life and that's how they come to decisions about what to do.

Good luck with your decision. :thumbsup:

[Jelly Baby]

Hi
I sympathise and have had the exact same scenario happen to me.

I ended up with not only a months unpaid fees for 2 full time children (excuses for non payment) & no paid notice. I was very wary of going down the court route due to living in a small town & being bad mouthed BUT I did it non the less.

Im Quite stubborn and work hard so thought why should they get away with something they wouldn't dream of doing to a nursery for example?

It was tough..as soon as they had the first letter from the solicitors i had an allegation made against me, in terms of stress it was very difficult despite knowing I'd done nothing wrong. It took over a year to sort out but I did get what I was owed. Turns out it wasn't the first time they had done it, not only to 2 other childminders but a couple of nurserys too so are slowly running out of places to send the children.

I say I'd never do it again but it depends on the circumstances.

Good luck, do what you feels right, there is no loyalty at times I'm afraid? X

[Jelly Baby]

Money is one of those areas that it's easy to fall out over. Just be very guarded while their child is still with you. No falls, bumps, or anything else that these parents might be able to use to complain to Ofsted about. (You'd be surprised.) I bet your co-ordinator has heard a lot of horror stories resulting from similar cases, and is just trying to give you her best advice. It's entirely up to you what you want to do - staying professional and not taking it personally is the first step. I hope it works out for you. All the very best, LK

Didn't see the other replies but yes this is what I've just posted about

[AdeleMarie88]

Well just an update, parents had lost their copy of the contract (again!!) so I photocopied it and gave it to them Thursday, dad said he would get back to me, but hasn't. I won't see them again until weds, if they turn up. I am guessing that they always had this date from the nursery but were hedging their bets and wanted to keep me on just in case the nursery didn't work out. I am prepared, financially, to make this loss.

I don't quite know what they are hoping to find in the contract, it's a pacey one, they signed it, that's it. If they come back next week, are polite and respectful I will just let them leave and that will be it. I don't want to go down the court route and don't think I will it's not worth it

[AdeleMarie88]

Got an email from the dad tonight saying they are leaving immediately, a few other nasty remarks in their blah blah blah. I told them fine leave, they are paid up to this week, I won't send them a final bill they don't owe any more.

I'm both sad and relieved. It's disappointing adults can behave like such petulant children when they don't get what they want. Never mind you live and learn.

Thank you for all your support!

[mumofone]

Got an email from the dad tonight saying they are leaving immediately, a few other nasty remarks in their blah blah blah. I told them fine leave, they are paid up to this week, I won't send them a final bill they don't owe any more. I'm both sad and relieved. It's disappointing adults can behave like such petulant children when they don't get what they want. Never mind you live and learn. Thank you for all your support!

I don't get why they would be nasty when they are pulling their child from your care to put them in nursery. Did something happen they weren't happy with? Sorry if I missed it in the thread :-) x

[lollipop kid]

Got an email from the dad tonight saying they are leaving immediately, a few other nasty remarks in their blah blah blah. I told them fine leave, they are paid up to this week, I won't send them a final bill they don't owe any more.

I'm both sad and relieved. It's disappointing adults can behave like such petulant children when they don't get what they want. Never mind you live and learn.

Thank you for all your support!

That's actually really good news. You've behaved really well and not let the parents get their own way. Well done you!

Onwards and upwards, eh?

Personally, I ask for 4 weeks' deposit on signing contracts, plus the first 4 week's advance payment before the child even sets foot in my setting.

This way, if the money isn't paid, the child doesn't start. Simples.

Good luck with everything.

All the best - big hugs,

LK

[Mouse]

Got an email from the dad tonight saying they are leaving immediately, a few other nasty remarks in their blah blah blah. I told them fine leave, they are paid up to this week, I won't send them a final bill they don't owe any more.

I'm both sad and relieved. It's disappointing adults can behave like such petulant children when they don't get what they want. Never mind you live and learn.

Thank you for all your support!

They may think they've got their way, but I bet they don't feel any satisfaction. They're probably still stewing over it.

Your best response is to let it go and not let them and their pettiness bother you any more. Leave them trying to justify their actions to themselves while you move on, get another family and put them to the back of your mind :thumbsup:

[AdeleMarie88]

I don't get why they would be nasty when they are pulling their child from your care to put them in nursery. Did something happen they weren't happy with? Sorry if I missed it in the thread :-) x

Just because I wanted them to give me four weeks notice, they just got silly, because they "allowed" me to have unpaid maternity leave, I should have been courteous and so on...it was the third time they had been rude so I'm glad they have left

[AdeleMarie88]

Yes i agree this is the best ending, just a shame I haven't had chance to say goodbye to child, I brought him a present! I may post it to them, along with his photos and art work x

[Kiddleywinks]

It is sad when it ends like this, but, even sadder, this probably won't be the last time, and you won't be the last provider they do it to

For yourself, learn from it, take steps to prevent it happening again as much as possible, and hold your head up high :thumbsup:

[hectors house]

Yes i agree this is the best ending, just a shame I haven't had chance to say goodbye to child, I brought him a present! I may post it to them, along with his photos and art work x

I took round and left on doorstep all the child's art work and a photo collage of all the different things the child had done with me - never heard whether child even saw it - I expect they put in straight in bin, but at least that makes them in the wrong and not me.