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

[Singinginshower]

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

[mabelandivy]

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.

[jaffacakesareabiscuit]

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

[AnnaSW1]

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

[jaffacakesareabiscuit]

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!

[Rigamorph]

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)

[Apple40]

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

[sosew]

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.

[managedmis]

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

[SkiingIsHeaven]

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

[transformandriseup]

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.

[MrsP2015]

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.

[Belle1983]

@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!)

[Nightmanagerfan]

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

[DiscontentedWoman]

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.

[Thismummyruns]

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.

[20viona]

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

[ReeseWitherfork]

Do you claim tax free childcare?

[Magnificentbeast]

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?