Moving to London with Kids

[Dani74]

Hi Ladies,

My husband and I might be moving to London later next year. We have a little boy (almost 2) who will be over 3 when we get there. FOr a little while, we may have a grandparent with us, but then we will need chilcare services because we both work. I am interested in costs and hours centres are open in London. I hear that childcare costs are really high?

In Australia, 3.5yr olds go to kindergarten too. They do prep between 4-5 and they have to be 5 to start grade 1. Is this the same in the UK?

Also, we may add to this situation by having another baby before we come. This would mean we will have a 6-10 month old with us who will also need care (maybe 4 days a week).

Anyway advice on centres, fees, alternatives would be appreciated. We are thinking we will live somewhere around Clapham. It's one area we know from past visits.

Thanks ladies for any advice.

Excited and nervous.

Dani

Clapham is a great area, Nappy Valley! Lots of nannies, nurseries, and kids galore. It depends what your budget is and what sort of care is important to you.

3-year-olds are entitled to a set amount of nursery hours per week (think it equates to 5 mornings or afternoons but someone will be along shortly to confirm). Even if you aren't taking this up, it is generally expected that 3-year-olds will go to nursery at least half days, although there is no legal obligation until they are 4.

Regardless if you take up the gov't hours, it certainly isn't full time so if you need to work full-time you will have to balance this with some after-nursery care. If you have a baby as well, a nanny is probably the best solution, as s/he can do the pick-ups and drop-offs as well as integrate your children into the community, keep them structured at home, etc. Nannies' costs vary due to experience, hours, etc. but in Clapham the going rate for a good nanny is £9-10/hr net, or £500/wk plus you have to pay tax and NI on top.

Another option is a childminder, although they are few and far between in Clapham and will set you back nearly as much as a nanny. Expect fees around £6-7/hr, or £60-70 for a full day.

There are a few full-time nurseries in Clapham where both your 3-year-old and possible baby could go, HOWEVER, be aware that baby places are booked up years in advance (not kidding, parents put down their names when baby is 6 weeks in utero) so you will probably have a lot of difficulty finding a space. Nurseries are on par with childminder rates, £60-ish a day - and that's per child. A nanny would be cheaper!

Children go to full-time school (Reception) from 4 or 5 depending on their birthday (cut off September 1).