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Paid childcare

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Original poster

Costs in excess of 30 free hours

54 replies

Katiek987 · 04/11/2023 15:07

Hi everyone

I am after some help with what childcare costs in reality look like. I’m a single woman looking to have a baby on my own but want to be realistic about whether this is financially possible. Say I was eligible for the 30 free hours from 9 months from September 2025, and I needed full time childcare, what should I expect to need to budget? I live in the SE. Am really struggling to get a true idea with the 30 hours only being over 38 weeks and all the added costs (food, nappies etc). Could be nursery or a childminder, nanny would be too expensive!

if anyone could please give me a steer or point me i the direction of another thread (I did look but couldn’t see) x

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Original poster
Katiek987 · 04/11/2023 15:24

Thank you, going down to 4 days a week is another consideration so that’s a good indicator.

OP posts:
Lockdownmummy · 04/11/2023 15:22

In SE London/Kent boarders. 4 days a week nursery is around £1300. 30 funded hours recently kicked in which we stretch over 51 weeks. Bill has roughly halved.

Original poster
Katiek987 · 04/11/2023 15:20

Thank you!

OP posts:
addictedtotheflats · 04/11/2023 15:16

Depending on where you are in the country I would estimate £700-£1000 a month on top of the funded hours for 5 days a week.

I paid £330 a month for 1 day a week and used the 22 hours pro rata for another 2 days. It also depends on what the nursery allows and if you can spread it over 52 weeks.