In this article, we explain what to do about taking holiday
Hatching Dragons Nursery Schools
1. Policy Overview
This policy outlines our position on fee payments when families request to pause, reduce, or suspend payment due to planned absences or holidays. Our nurseries operate on a continuous service model with consistent staffing and overhead obligations, irrespective of individual child attendance. As such, fees remain payable in full and in advance, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
2. Fee Payment Requirement
Parents and carers are required to pay fees in full and in advance for all booked sessions, regardless of whether their child attends, including periods of planned holidays. This is a necessary condition to ensure the continued employment and stability of our professional teaching and care teams, whose salaries are not variable or attendance-dependent.
3. Notifying your School
Parents should fill out the Nursery Holiday form (below and here)
3. Options for Families Taking Extended Leave
3.1 Resignation of Place
Families who do not wish to pay during an extended absence may opt to resign their place by providing notice in accordance with our terms and conditions. Upon resignation:
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The deposit will be applied as per the notice period.
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The place may be offered to a family on the waiting list, without prejudice or obligation for future re-enrolment.
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If the family wishes to return at a later date, a new registration (and deposit) will be required and will be subject to availability at that time.
3.2 Room Availability & Waiting Lists
Where a room has a waiting list and a family chooses to stop paying fees during a holiday period, their place may be offered to another family on the waiting list. This will be done without prejudice and in line with our Terms and Conditions, to ensure maximum occupancy and staffing efficiency and will be treated as a family terminating their place in line with our terms and conditions. Deposits will be withheld for failure to provide notice in line with our terms and conditions
3.3 Temporary Discounts at Management Discretion
If the room in question is under-occupied and has no waiting list or anticipated demand during the planned absence, the nursery management may, at their sole discretion, offer a temporary discount on fees to retain the child’s place during the holiday period.
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This discount is discretionary and not guaranteed.
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Should a new family register during this period and request to take up the vacated place, the original family will be required to resume full fee payments immediately to retain their place.
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If full fee payment is not resumed, the place may be reallocated and considered resigned.
4. Summary
Hatching Dragons cannot guarantee the holding of nursery places without full payment of fees. While we recognise that families may wish to travel or take breaks, our ability to maintain high-quality care and education depends on sustained and predictable income. Our Terms and Conditions have been structured to support both families and our professional teams, and we thank you for your understanding and cooperation.