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Schools out! But can you recover private school and nursery fees that have already been paid?
Posted: 9th April 2020
The Coronavirus pandemic has caused the Government to order the mandatory closure of all schools and nurseries across the United Kingdom, but where does that leave those parents whose children attend independent schools and nurseries? This is a concern that has been raised by many parents who are unsure as to whether they are entitled to a refund in respect of those fees that they have already paid for the remainder of the school year.
Undertaking a review of the terms of any parent contract that you may have entered into with the school and/or nursery in question when your child first joined, is key to understanding the contractual obligations and liabilities imposed upon you and whether you will be entitled to claim a refund for all, or some, of the school fees that have been paid for the following term. Some independent schools and nurseries may not have envisaged a closure of this nature and whilst some are offering a reduction in fees in light of the un-planned closures, this is not the case across the board.
If you have taken out a school fees insurance policy that may provide you with some protection, however careful consideration of the policy wording and terms is required in order to assess whether you will be entitled to claim. In any event, you should firstly make contact with the school and/or nursery to establish how they are proposing to deal with the current crisis.
Understanding your legal position in light of the Coronavirus pandemic is crucial to determining your right to a refund.
If you require any legal assistance with regards to understanding the terms of a parent contract or insurance policy, or if you are in dispute with a school and/or nursery at present and require our assistance to draft a suitable letter on your behalf, then please do not hesitate to contact Christopher Buck, Associate Partner in the Commercial Services Department on 01908 660966 / 01604 828282 or email christopher.buck@franklins-sols.co.uk.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication. It should not be construed as legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and the content may not reflect the most current legal developments. We recommend consulting with a qualified solicitor for specific legal guidance tailored to your situation.
