I write in response to the news story 'Nurseries sound the alert on debtors' and the Editor's View in Nursery World 2 October 2008.
I was dismayed to read that nurseries in Liverpool have resorted to alerting each other to parents who leave owing fees. I've trained providers in other areas of the country who also feel this kind of action is justified. However, what must be highlighted is that sharing information in this way is illegal. It contravenes the Data Protection Act, and it is also morally wrong.
While I have sympathy for settings who are deliberately duped, creating a local blacklist of parents to avoid isn't the answer. To minimise the risk of bad debt, providers must insist on payment in advance, preferably by Direct Debit. Managers must be vigilant, checking that electronic transfers are received on time, and ready to take action immediately if not. Fee policies, giving the right to withdraw a child's place, should be thought through and clearly communicated in parents' terms and conditions. Staff need to be pro-active and can cover this policy when inducting new parents.
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