Childcare while doing a Master's

[Hannah2023]

Hello everyone,

I'm new here and seeking advice. I started a part-time MA programme in 2020/21. In early 2022, I had to pause my studies due to a pregnancy. Now, I plan to start my classes in January for three months. I'm wondering whether it's better to opt for a nursery or a childminder to take care of my child during my classes instead the 3 full days required by the nursery. Which option is less expensive: childminder who offers babysitting services or nursery? Your insights would be greatly appreciated. I'm sorry if my question doesn't make any sense but this a whole new world for me and the prices are scary and my anxiety levels are high.

Hi, childminders are usually slightly cheaper and charge by the hour and may be able to be more flexible around days if you want to add an extra day on here and there. Both are generally paid in advance. Only down side of childminder is if she is sick or on holiday you will be left without childcare. Will you get funding for the children through uni? How does this get paid as this could affect who you can choose and if they accept that payment method.

It completely depends on your area, the hours you need and who has availability.
childminders look after children in their own home, babysitters are as hoc people who come to your home for a short period of time.
what hours/days do you need?

First, thank you both for replying to my questions. The childcare won't be funded; I will pay for it as I really want to finish this master's degree. Since I cannot take a child to the classes, I will need to find a caring place for her to be looked after.

She's not 2 yet, so it will cost an arm and a leg, but there isn't much I can do about it. Last year, while I was looking on the childcare.co.uk website, I saw some childminders in the London area who offered babysitting services in their house. There were just a few women, but I found some. I would need approximately 7 hours a week for 3 months.

That's a tiny amount, just use sitters.co.uk.