Don’t know if I can afford childcare

[Aaliah1234]

Hello all,

I’ve returned to work for 2 days a week (I’m a teacher) whilst hubby looks after baby. He’s also working part time as he’s doing a PhD. We’re eligible for tax credits and housing benefit too. It’s a shame it’s come down to us relying on help but hopefully in the next two years we should be in a better position

My dilemma right now is that up until Christmas hubby will be looking after DS whilst I work. After that he may need to travel abroad for his research. I would obviously need to arrange childcare.

There’s a nursery near the school I work at which costs roughly £650 a month. I’m not sure how I will pay this if I continue to work.

I know I can’t claim the childcare vouchers before the deadline as DS doesn’t need to go to nursery until December.

If I claim the tax free childcare I become ineligible for tax credits which means I won’t be able to pay my other bills.

Is there a way round this? I don’t want to quit my job and rely just on benefits.

DS will be 2 in July 2019. Would he be eligible for the free childcare scheme for 2 year olds?

You looked at one childminder as they are very much more diverse than nurseries I don't think you really looked, you must have made up your mind before based on some odd preconception of childminders in the 80's you even seem to think we don't mix with other children and keep them shut up at home yet your moaning about money while discounting a choice that is going to save you £800 to £900 a month. do you really want childcare? You must have seen the cases of nurseries and abuse in the media. recent choking and injury cases in nursery have led to the whole grape thing. I think you need to visit more settings and get a real feeling for what is out there.