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Paid childcare

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Original poster

Additional child care cost of £300 a month

28 replies

TheMintHam · 05/04/2024 14:12

My DC goes to nursery three days a week term time only, she used to be in one day a week in the hols but nursery now unable to cater that. Since April the cost on top of funding will be approx. £308 a month. This has basically doubled. Nursery has now said that 5:30 is the latest for pick up, it was 6pm. Early bird drop off has doubled so that it is now an unaffordable extra. It might not sound a lot and I bet others are struggling with even higher costs but I’m a single mom and now can’t get to nursery in time to pick her up after work as my work day ends at 5:30. I may actually have to stop working because I have no informal childcare and DC’s dad is not great. I’m just shocked at what’s happened recently. Anyone else in the same boat?

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Whatelsecouldibecalled · 05/04/2024 14:22

I feel you. All this bull shit about 'free' hours but the. Not funded correctly from the government so nurseries are passing on the cost.

My fees have gone up by £115 a month. It's crippling us. I pay just over £850 a month for 1 child 4 days 7.30-5.30 and 1 child 3 days 7.30-5.30. That's including the 30 hours 'free' for child three days and using 20% government tax free account. I also now have to pay for nappies and wipes for youngest which used to be included and food for the oldest which used to be included so that's maybe another £100 a month too. I'm literally paying childcare to keep my job for when they go to school.

My nursery is excellent and it's actually classed as one of the cheaper ones.

It's killing parents

Jk987 · 05/04/2024 14:20

When you say DC's Dad is not great, does that mean he doesn't do anything? Can't he step up and do some pick ups or drop offs?

Failing that, I would talk to your manager at work see if they can offer some flex eg. Shorter lunch and earlier finish.

BusyCM · 05/04/2024 14:16

Can you look at a different nursery with better hours or maybe a childminder who will probably be cheaper?