Need help wording a letter

[wilma-bride]

I've found out today that Daniel's nursery has been overcharging me for his fees since September last year and they basically owe me in excess of £400. The way it works is, because he's 4, he gets a free nursery place (2 1/2 hours a day) and I pay the extra. However, the nursery have been charging me the difference between his normal session rate and the funding they receive, rather than the amount they charge for a normal 2 1/2 hour session. I have spoken to the authority (County Council), who have confirmed I am right so I now need to let the nursery know. I have calculated how much they owe me and want to put my calculations in the letter but I want a nice way of saying 'give me my money back' without being confrontational at all (basically, it may not be the nursery manager's fault as there has been a lot of confusion over the funding situation). Can anyone help with the best way to start the letter - my brain is frazzled from trying to work out all the money and everything for the past 2 hours

 

[Claire L]

So you are saying that although Daniel gets 2 1/2 hours free the money from the council for the 2 1/2 is not as much as if you paid yourself? ie it is normally say £30 for the session and the council only pay £25, so they have been charging the extra £5 to you, is that basically it? I would say you believe there is a discrepancy in the way the fees have been worked out and believe you have been charged too much as you should have only had to pay for x amount of hours/sessions at x amount per hour/session, which totals x amount but have instead paid x amount.

Claire

 

[Claire L]

To start the letter you could say you have been reviewing your finances and have found that there is a discrepancy...

Claire

 

[natalielongstaff]

To start the letter you could say you have been reviewing your finances and have found that there is a discrepancy...

Claire

that seems a good way to start the whole issue surrounding funding is a complete nightmare !!
i hope you get it sorted soon

 

[wilma-bride]

Thanks guys - I have managed to come up with something I'm happy with. I just hope they sort it out pretty quickly as it's a fairly substantial amount.

Nat, the lady at the Council said the funding issue was a nightmare - I can see why

 

[jen_uk]

Thanks guys - I have managed to come up with something I'm happy with. I just hope they sort it out pretty quickly as it's a fairly substantial amount.

Nat, the lady at the Council said the funding issue was a nightmare - I can see why

Just think of all the Disney stuff you could buy with that £400.....

 

[emily1982]

Did he go to nursery before then because granted places for nurseries start at 3 years old? just thought i'd mention it incase.

 

[mcgypsy]

I had this happen at a daycare once. When it came time to pay the next bill, I simply attached a mathmatical reason for the amount I was subtracting from what I was giving them and deducted it from the total I owed. Of course, I wasn't owed that much.

 

[wilma-bride]

Did he go to nursery before then because granted places for nurseries start at 3 years old? just thought i'd mention it incase.

Emily, yes he did go to nursery before but only started at this particular nursery last August. They have been charging us wrongly since September

 

[wilma-bride]

I had this happen at a daycare once. When it came time to pay the next bill, I simply attached a mathmatical reason for the amount I was subtracting from what I was giving them and deducted it from the total I owed. Of course, I wasn't owed that much.

I would do that but, even after deducting it from this month's bill, they would still owe me money

 

[irongirlof12]

how about.. 'give me my hard earned dosh back, right now' simple and to the point! you could also add ... 'with interest as well!'

I am so glad my youngest started school and I don't have nursey fees anymore, felt like i was given a massive pay increase!

 

[wilma-bride]

how about.. 'give me my hard earned dosh back, right now' simple and to the point! you could also add ... 'with interest as well!'

Excellent - short, sharp and to the point - I like it

I am so glad my youngest started school and I don't have nursey fees anymore, felt like i was given a massive pay increase!

DS starts in September and I can't wait. Unfortunately, DH is being made redundant at the same time so it might not make too much difference

 

[Tron[ADS]]

I wouldnt even mention the calculation you've made, Id write to them stating you are unsure how the allowance is calculated, and that you are not sure yu have been paying the correct the amount, and could they provide a breakdown of how the fees are calculated. Let them find the error themselves, see what figure they come up with, then show them yours if its different...unless yours is less than they work out, in which case say nowt.