• HAFAN
• GWYBODAETH RHIENI
• AMDANOM NI
• DIGWYDDIADAU a THEMAU
• GWEIDDGAREDDAU PLANT
• CYSYLLTWCH â NI

Non Payment of Fees

As a rule Tiddlywinks sends invoices for the following month’s fees out in the last 5 working days of each month (Stage 1).

Our terms as stated within the Contract for Childcare, specify that payment of fees must be received by the 7th of the month for the month in question (Stage 2).

If no payment has been received after 14 days of Stage 1, a reminder is sent (Stage 3), with REMINDER written on it.

If payment has not been received after a further 14 days (28 days from date of original invoice – Stage 1), a FINAL REMINDER is sent to the customer (Stage 4) which is followed up by telephone contact. If no correspondence has been received back after 10 days from the date of the final reminder letter, further contact is made with the customer to inform them that we are initiating collection efforts (Stage 5) and that the child’s placement will cease at this stage. Contact should be made every 7 days with the client thereafter or until a resolution for the amount outstanding has been agreed.

If there is a query or payment problem, a new settlement date should be arranged with the customer. This date is confirmed in writing stating clearly that if payment is not made by this date, the matter will be referred to either our solicitors, or the county court small claims department.

If the debt is still due after this, county court action will be instigated.

Repayment plans - If a customer cannot pay the entire amount due in one installment, a repayment plan should be negotiated (Stage 6). To avoid future misunderstanding, an agreed repayment plan should be clearly stated in writing, ensuring that both parties sign the document.

It is important for Tiddlywinks to let customers know that we can no longer tolerate late payments. Sometimes the interests of customer service and debt collection can clash, but it is important to convey, politely but firmly, that bad debts are unacceptable. Every effort will be made to explain to customers that although we will willingly discuss matters and will make every effort to negotiate a mutual repayment plan, further delays in payment will not be tolerated and the matter will be referred to either our solicitors, or the county court small claims department (Stage 7).

If the amount of debt outstanding is under £200 Stage 7 will not be instigated but reminders and attempts to contact the client will continue for a period of 24 months from date of debt.

If an amount outstanding has not been cleared and the client approaches Tiddlywinks to place another child or reinstate a child, the debt will need to be paid in full before a placement can be offered and future payments will be required in advance and before we care for the child to prevent any future arrears occurring.

Summary of Stages involved:

1. Invoice sent (within the last 5 working days of the previous month) 
2. Payment of fees due by the 7th of the month
3. Reminder sent – 14 days from date of original invoice
4. Final reminder sent – 28 days from date of original invoice and contact made with customer
5. If no communication received within 10 days of Stage 4, child’s placement is stopped and Stage 7 is instigated
6. If communication is received, agree repayment plan, as appropriate and confirm the agreement in writing. Monitor the repayment plan progress.
7. Instigate legal action to recoup amount outstanding

 

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