Change of contract

[Mrs_Pegasus]

If my child minder changes anything in the contract I have with her, does she have to issue a new contract? She is trying to charge for a retention and although she informed me of this I asked for a new contract to reflect this because I felt she did not make herself clear when this would be enforced i.e. the amount of notice. I never received this contract and still hold the original contract where there are no retention costs. I have now removed my child from her care but she is insisting I pay one day retention which was the last day of my notice.

[buildersmate]

As you have a contract for services, such things are often signed by both sides. If the original was thus signed, I would consider the original contract stands - not any verbal discussion implying a change. Does this original contract include a clause outlying the amount of notice you must give? - if it does and you gave this notice, then I don't see how she can charge you within the terms you describe.
Retention - irrespective of whether it could be considered within the contract you have (had) or not - is surely a red herring. Retention applies if you take the child away (for a holiday perhaps) and she has no child to look after for a temporary period. I don't see how she can claim for a retention (even if one did assumed it WAS part of your contract).