Left private Kindergarten, demands fee

[SMummy 0]

Hi! Please could anyone help me about a bad experiences in a Kindergarden.? My child was in a private Kindergarden in Munich and we experienced some real horror stories. I took my child out with immediate effect and now I have to still pay the 3 months cancellation fee. I have been and reported my concerns to the city of Munich and they say they will investigate but I have to go to a lawyer about the money factor... Can anyone tell me if they have had similar experiences and how you handled it? Thanks

[Vicky240586 0]

Hi there, I also live in Munich. My daughter goes to a private kindergarten in Münchner Freiheit. I am experiencing similar worries myself for the safety and well being of my daughter. When staff are sick they expect parents to cover the absence, my child can be left alone with other parents and no staff there (I am concerned because this means there would be no first aider on site). I don`t understand why I pay 310Euro per month for such low standards of care. Do you please have any idea of where I can obtain a minimum care standard that kindergartens are expected to adhere to? Which department in the city of Munich did you complain to? I would like to remove my child from their care but I know my Kaution will suffer the same fate like yours, also both myself and partner work full time so childcare is essential for us. Am really sorry that I cannot help you in your question, it worries me that there are other parents experiencing the same concerns like me.

[westvan 9,706]

 

I have to still pay the 3 months cancellation fee.

 

If the cancellation fee was noted in the contract you signed when your child started attending you are probably stuck with paying it no matter what your reasons were for taking her/him out.

[Uncle Nick 6,245]

In case of negligence you might stand a chance of getting your money back.

[SMummy 0]

Vicky, I tried to PM you the email address of the lady but I don't know how to... They just informed me that they would investigate my concerns & private kindergardens don't get monitored but did not give me any more details just that I should contact a lawyer! It's a horrible position to be in when you know your child is not being cared for properly.

[Italianmum 12]

we got a lawyer but still had to pay the 3months notice...and they even claimed at the end we had to pay 3 more. so make sure you send the cancellation letter, properly written, and via registered mail. Hope is not the same terrible private kiga my daughter was at first enrolled to!

[Katolix 1]

Hi. Why don't you guys provide names of the kindergardens that you've experienced such problems with?

[Hutcho 2,227]

Because they don't want to be sued and have to get a lawyer and go to court again.

[hayenne 28]

Would clever wording help avoid being sued? Something across the lines: "I'm pretty sure such a thing would not happen at XXX in YYY". Reviews and complaints are important for proper feedback.

[MikeMelga 7,325]

At least can you tell us the area where it is located? That would eliminate 90% of them, while keeping you from being sued.

 

Also, as hayenne said, reviews are legal, if you just report what happened.

[Hutcho 2,227]

Either way you word it, it doesn't stop someone taking you to court. When in court, you may win or lose depending on how you've worded it. People in Germany are very keen on doing this, especially because their legal insurance covers it (yours won't cover you though, this type of thing is an exception).

[jodessa 139]

Is it really illegal to express YOUR opinion about a place? To state, "We had a bad experience there"? Is this really considered slander? I know a court case may be involved here and all, but in general I find it unbelievable that people are so afraid of slander that they keep their opinions to themselves. I always wondered if I would be allowed to put a sign in my yard such as, "I choose not to shop at Schlecker". So much for free speech. Hope you figure something out here. This sounds awful!

[Hutcho 2,227]

No, it's not. But if you say anything that might be interpreted as not just your opinion, rather than something that is a fact, and a fact that can be disputed, you'll end up in court.