How do people do it?

[mammysharkdoo]

My LO goes to nursery 2 days a week while I work. I don't have any other childcare available therefore can only work these days. My nursery fees are half my wages per month. I want to increase to 3 days as I'm loving being back in work and can't financially cope doing just 2 days. But I've worked out although I'd be earning more, nursery fees would still be £400 a month (half my monthly wage) just wondering really how other people cope and if there is any alternative solution? Thnx

I couldn't have done it without using childcare vouchers. Sadly no longer an option to sign up to.

Are you eligible for any financial help?

Do you claim tax free childcare?

I'm in the same position it's just the way it is. Do you have a partner?

Exactly the reason we changed to a childminder. After paying for nursery, I was left with £60 a month. It wasn't sustainable.

I feel your pain.

It's temporary. As you child gets older, then free hours kick in, then school kicks in. So you have to look at it as a short term thing. We had 2 in nursery for a few years - the monthly cost was more than our mortgage (4 figures every month) so I feel your pain. But I stayed in work so my pension fund is healthy, I've had promotions etc. It's worth it in the end.

Gosh. No advice but if it makes you feel any better three days a week at our nursery in London is £860!!

@Nightmanagerfan

Gosh. No advice but if it makes you feel any better three days a week at our nursery in London is £860!!

Got this to come and I'm terrified!

@mammysharkdoo I'm looking at it as if I'm paying to retain my level at work and hopefully continue to progress again once it gets a bit easier (I hope it gets easier!)

Yes I'm in this too.

When I was looking for work I had to turn down/ not apply for loads of jobs that were under £27k As after childcare came out, then house bills & petrol I was working for either very little or depending on the work location and travel costs I'd have been out of pocket.

Mine cannot go to family/ friends as there just isn't anyone suitable or able to commit due to their own work.

So many people I know have to rely on family for childcare and I see why.

My DH has very early starts so is finished by lunchtime meaning we only need half days. We also claim the top up 20% We are both on low incomes and I am not sure we could afford full time fees.

My friend had three kids and found it cheaper to have an Au Pair.

This is what you should be protesting about - so incredibly anti-women.

Honestly, I think nursery costs being half your wages is pretty good. Our child care costs are 25% of mine and my husbands income and I have mainly friends who work for very little other than to keep their career going.

I have colleagues in other countries where pay is higher and childcare costs lower (though not sure that's a good thing) and they are amazed by our set up and why and how people bother working.

Hi, have you signed up to the Tax free childcare vouchers scheme? For every £8 you put in the government give you £2. Are you eligible for universal credits they help towards childcare costs too. You have to pay the childcare bill then they pay you back up to 70-80% I think

DP and I both work and we use the govt scheme where we pay 80% and govt pay the remainder. Can't remember what it's called (this is one of DPs responsibilities)

Yes like PP we use tax free childcare. 2 days a week at nursery is about 360 a month but we only pay 80% of that. Are you eligible? It really helps!

@jaffacakesareabiscuit I'm jealous of your nursery fees! I'm guessing you don't live in London

@AnnaSW1 no, a bit further north and across the Irish Sea!

Tax free childcare? My DD goes 4 full days and our bill is about £900 a month. The tax free system really helps as knocks off about £200 depending on how much we pay in. I am seeing it as a short term thing. Funding will kick in the term after her 3rd birthday and then we're at school etc.

Imdidnt think it was worth me going back financially due to nursery costs, but I'm glad I did as it kept my career going so it was eventually worth it