Am I entitled to anything?

[hwolah]

So, my partner will be going back to University while I’m on maternity leave, we’ve also worked out that with the children it just doesn’t make sense for me to go back to work as we’d be spending all of my wage on childcare etc (eldest will be at school too and don’t have anyone to help with pick ups and drop offs.) I’m wondering if I’ll be entitled to any benefits? My partner intends on finding weekend work to help top up his student loan but I think we’ll still be short on what we need

You can apply for universal credit as a couple with kids and most of his student finance will be counted as income. The rules are pretty complicated so best asking for specialist advice, a group called universal credit survival on FB lets you post anonymously.

If you go back to work they will also pay up to 85% of your childcare.

Are you married? If not, you are giving paid work (including pension, National Insurance etc) for a VERY vulnerable situation. As others have said, the work/childcare costs calculation is rather short term thinking.

I think it risky to have neither of you working to be honest. There isn't a guarantee he will get a job. Maybe you could work an evening or two when he is at home?