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Your legal questions answered by Christine Betts, senior lawyer, schools and childcare team, Veale Wasbrough Lawyers Q I'm planning to open a nursery and have been advised that I should get parents to sign a contract when they take up a place. What should be in this contract, and is it really necessary?

Q I'm planning to open a nursery and have been advised that I should get parents to sign a contract when they take up a place. What should be in this contract, and is it really necessary?

A In law, when a parent entrusts the care of their child to a provider, a contract is formed, whether the parent pays directly or the place is Government-funded. It is therefore helpful for both provider and parent to have a clear written document setting out the terms and conditions of that contract and the mutual rights and responsibilities that arise. This reduces the possibility of misunderstandings and disputes.

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