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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

How much does childcare cost?

37 replies

hollowtree · 20/01/2018 12:33

Just that really. If you use childcare, what does it cost you? What type of childcare do you use? Ages of DC would also be useful, thanks everyone!

PS: totally clueless FTM here

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KadabrasSpoon · 20/01/2018 13:05

We qualify for the 30 hours but no nurseries offer it near us so using 15 for DS age 3.
3 year old about £400-500 per month for 3 days
2 year old £700 ish
Depends on how the days fall in the month hence it varies a little.
Small nursery in south East.

Take a look at a few and get an idea of prices and what you like. Prices will vary even within an area. We could have got a cheaper nursery but much preferred the one we are using.

mustbemad17 · 20/01/2018 13:05

I was paying £650 a month for DD but that was 8am - 6pm five days a week

Original poster
hollowtree · 20/01/2018 13:03

My maternity ends in March... might have to beg the GPs I think! Or not go back

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Original poster
hollowtree · 20/01/2018 13:02

Tis now that sounds doable! Might have to wait a couple of years then!

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KadabrasSpoon · 20/01/2018 13:01

Depends where you are and age of child. Ratios are smaller for younger children so generally more expensive.

Original poster
hollowtree · 20/01/2018 13:01

Midlands, on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire boarder

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Tisfortired · 20/01/2018 13:01

DS is 4, in private Nursery 3 days a week. He gets 30 free hours so now costs us about £250 a month.

Original poster
hollowtree · 20/01/2018 13:00

Lules yes I see what you mean... basically I am trying to weigh up whether it actually would make financial sense for me to return to work. I earn minimum wage as a waitress so I'm guessing not!

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SleepingInYourFlowerbed · 20/01/2018 12:59

What area do you live in?

Lules · 20/01/2018 12:57

It varies hugely so I don’t think this will help you. When I was in London I paid £95 per day for nursery. You could get cheaper and this was in a very expensive area. Now I’m in the SE and it’s £70 per day. Cheaper for over 3s because of different ratios and you get your 15/30 hours free too.

Original poster
hollowtree · 20/01/2018 12:55

wips Shock that sounds a lot! Or is it relatively cheap? I don't know!

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WipsGlitter · 20/01/2018 12:52

It will vary depending on where you live. I'm in NI and a daycare place ie all day care; four days a week was c£800 per month. But that was a few years ago.