Is anyone else's childcare fees killing you??!!

[pack]

Am I the only one who is finding ends hard to meet because of the cost of childcare? I have never been so broke as I currently am (even as a student many moons ago). I work fulltime and most of my wages go on nursery fees and can't afford to give up my job as we can't survive just on DH's wages. We get some help from Tax credit people but still have a shortfall every month resulting in me raiding what little savings I have every month. God knows what's going to happen once they run out. Somebody please tell me things are going to get better once DDs (17m & 3y) start school or do I just resign myself to a permenant overdraft and have to grit my teeth and bear it.

Well things are bound to improve. I didn't actually find that much of an improvement when DS started school but that is because I work 3 full days. The most significant thing was when he started getting nursery grant - 5 sessions over 3 days. Is your 3yo getting this yet? Of course, when they are both at school you might be able to change your hours. I am counting down until DD gets the grant next September.

Good news here is that the fees are only going up by 50p a day in January.

Are you claiming the nursery vouchers (worth £55 per week) from the government? Both my husband and I claim this from our respective employers as our 2yo DTS go to nursery and we are saving nearly £2000 a year. The monthly fee prior to us claiming the vouchers was £980 for the boys attending nursery 3 days a week.