Taking child out of Nursery

[Northernspirit33]

First of all please accept my apologies as I'm a dad not a mum. I do however have a bit of a dilemma.

In June this year I recieved a promotion which on the one hand is a good thing but on the other has been negative. I worked as a firefighter and my shift system was 2 days 2 nights and 4 days off. This meant I was able to look after my son whilst my wife worked and vice versa. This new role however is monday-Friday 9-5 and has meant me putting my son (who is 23 months) into daycare.

He goes in 3 days a week and his development has been astounding. They have excellent facilities and we have been very impressed. The problem however, is that it is costing us £600 a month and my pay rise has been minimal. We are now struggling to afford his childcare and live comfortably.

There is a nursery up the road which works out at 220 a month but is very basic. The place looks nice and the staff look nice but it's not as good as the other one.

My dilemma now is; Do I keep my son in the expensive nursery but barely keep my head above water or do I put him into the other?

I genuinely don't know what to do for the best and it's tearing me up.

I would appreciate some advice. Thanks

[Northernspirit33]

Changing child's daycare dilemma

[megletthesecond]

I'd keep him in the nice nursery and live as frugally as possible until he starts school.

I took a big financial hit in nursery years. Could have used a cheap childminder but stuck with a wonderful nursery.

[greenfolder]

I would, and did, bite the bullet. Do both you and your wife use childcare vouchers to save tax and ni? Count down to when you get the 15 hours a week subsidy.

[gallicgirl]

Keep him in the good nursery and ride it out. See if your employer offers childcare vouchers, that could save you up to £900 a year and both parents can claim if their employers offer it. From the term after he's 3, he'll get 15 hours of funded education (term time only) so your bill should decrease in about 18 months time.

[Northernspirit33]

Hi thanks for your replies. Yes we do use childcare vouchers, up to the maximum we can but it is still difficult. I have a daughter too and I want to make sure they can both still have nice things.

His free nursery isn't until Jan 18 so it's a long way off unfortunately. I have even contemplated taking out a loan to make it easier.

[GreyKittyMakesWarms]

Had a similar dilemma myself, but looked at the cheaper nursery state nursery and didn't like it as much. I only have the one child who's 15m though.

The nursery she's in do so much with her, and she's so happy, it wouldn't be fair to move her now. I sacrifice a more expensive phone contract and a car so she can go.

I know that's possibly not an option in your job though and I do only have the one. Fees cost us £500 a month

[holzyb20]

Have you considered a nanny share?

[hookiewookie29]

Have you looked into using a Childminder?
I'm a CM, accept childcare vouchers and funded children. When the children reach the age of 3, they do sessions at the local nursery that's attached to the primary school which they will be attending.
Don't know where you live, but, on average where I am you would look at paying about £360 per month for 3 full days a week.
Childminders have to follow the same early years curriculum as nurseries and a good one will help your child develop just as well as a nursery can.