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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Returning to work after second child and finding childcare impossible

55 replies

cesoir · 28/09/2010 20:58

I'm returning to work almost 14 months after the birth of my daugher. I have chosen to do this because my husband and I are struggling to live on his salary, and much like everyone else in these times, are up to our eyeballs in debt.

So I've managed to get a terrific job offer with a mid-November start, with a fair salary of £37k. I've even found a nanny who I think is great who has a net rate of £750 p/h. But then when I have to add tax, and NI, and employers NI I have to pay her £47 a month more than I earn!!!!

If I put them both in nursery I'm pretty much taking home £300 BEFORE my travel and lunch. It's not even worth the heartache.

How do people do this??? I 'm failing to see any light at the end of the tunnel other than to turn the job down, and I worked so so hard to get it.

My son is nearly 4 and attends the local school from 9-11.30 every morning and until end of day for 1 day. My 13 month daughter is home with me.

I've thought about getting an au pair but I've read that they can't look after the children for longer than 5 hours at a time, and that they cannot have sole charge of children under 2. And yet, I see lots of positions advertising au pair positions with toddlers.

Also, I've been looking at aupair.com and seen some candidates that seem perfect. Does anyone have any experience of this site? Is it a reputable way to find an au pair? What checks do I need to do if I choose to not go through any agency?

So many questions! Does anybody have any advice? xxxxxxxx

OP posts:
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naughtymummy · 28/09/2010 21:16

As others said it is only for a short time. Is it better for you to put up with a lower income/ more debt ,but less hassle and then return to work later. Or is yours the type of career it will be difficult to get back into ? Will gaps in your CV matter ? Only you can answear these questions.

Monty100 · 28/09/2010 21:12

Cesoir - Shock. You need to make it worth your while to leave your dc's. Why are you doing it? Because you want to get back into work and stay on the career ladder? (Just random questions). How much input will dp/dh have, equal finances/responsibilites to dc's?
Can you return to work when they are at least in full time education??

Mine were both very young when I found myself back at work full time with a mediocre salary. I used a childminder which is way more reasonable than a trained nanny, and then an afterschool club for which I got some wtc (lone parent).

Not much help I know, but ask yourself some questions. You need to think of what you want,for you and dc's. I'll say one thing, it won't be a party. But I guess you know that. Smile

Danthe4th · 28/09/2010 21:05

Are you saying that you will pay more than 37k a year to a nanny or have I read that wrong?
I'm sure you could find a cheaper option.

Danthe4th · 28/09/2010 21:04

Can you use childcare vouchers? £243 per month before tax I think.Will the nanny be ofsted registered or willing to be?
Your son will be in full time school soon, leaving childcare for one. Can you afford to do it for a couple of years earning very little, it will be worth it when both children are at school and all you have to pay for is holiday clubs and after school.
Have you a local flexible childminder, most will except vouchers.

PandaG · 28/09/2010 21:03

childminder? could be cheaper than nanny.

nanny share - if you can find one that fits - or a nanny with her own child = pay is less than one without.