I have absolutely no idea about the cost of childcare...

[Hopefully]

Just planning whether to go back to work or not after mat leave, and I have absolutely no idea how much childcare would cost (was hoping to not go back, but looks like I may have to).

I live in West Sussex, and would probably be looking at 3 or 4 full days childcare (9-6? 8-5? something like that).

I prefer the idea of a CM to a nursery, for no real reason, but don't know costs of either. Has anyone got a clue what kind of sum I should think about (for either CM or nursery) as a very rough guide for doing my sums?

DS will be 1 if/when I go back, and I think my work does childcare voucher thingy, which I also don't understand...

Any rough ideas appreciated!

Look here and put in your post code it will bring up the CM's in you area and some will have their prices.

OK it depends upon your area but can rang from about £2.50 to over £10 an hour

Try putting your post code in [[http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/ here] to see about your local prices

Vouchers are good - Imgine you earn £100 a week, instead of paying tax on £100 you pay tax on £50 (ish) and the other £50 gets paid as a voucher which you can email/give to your childminder/nursery (my figures aren't right)

Roughly then:

Use £5ph as a starting point - most probably cheaper than that but you would have to speak to a West Sussex CM to find out their prices.

3 days with 9 hours per day = 27 hours a week

27 hours x £5 = £135 per week

or

4 days with 9 hours per day = 36 hours per week

36 hours x £5 = £180.

As for nurseries, I dont really know - hopefully someone else will come and help you.

Childcare vouchers mean that you dont pay tax or NI on the money that you can put towards childcare - £243 a month. Roughly this means you save around £1000+ per month. Its very easy to do and most childcarers will accept them.

Also check out tax credits as you may be eligible for help with your childcare costs.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for those links and the rough sums, much appreciated!

My nursery is £40 per day including formula, wipes, nappies and food.

3 days a week = £520 a month

I also use BusyBee vouchers through my employer - as does DH - which effectively means our nursery fees are tax and NI free

HTH

I am a childminder in Horsham and prices are around £4.50 an hour here, if you are down on the coast they will be between £3.50 & £4 per hour, some areas are £5 per hour. So definitely get a list from the Family Information Service 01243777807 & ring around possibles to generally chat. But don't go just on price always get a 'feel' for the childminder on the phone & arrange to visit as well, make it several childminders you visit where you can.
Childcare vouchers through work are only worth it if you don't qualify for Child Care Tax Credits part of WFTC.