Advice on help with payment towards nursery

[rosiewalker]

Hi

Our DS is 2 and have viewed some nurseries and am considering taking him two mornings a week. I work full time but my hours are in the evening 6-12 and weekends partner works full time during the day.

I was shocked at how much it will cost around £300 a month and not sure if we could afford this but potentially doable.

I am going on maternity leave in June and then when money gets cut definitely won’t be able to afford it and I wondered if there is any help out there for mums whilst on maternity leave with nursery fees.

I have tried to look on government websites but find it all very confusing and seems like we don’t qualify for anything but just wanted to check.

Thanks for your advice.

Everyone can get tax free childcare, you open an account online, pay in and the government add 20%. You then pay your nursery from this account

Have you checked the nursery will offer just 2 mornings a week? Also 1 full day is probably cheaper than 2 mornings

Some parents qualify for 15 funded hours a week for 2yo, think its low income or benefits related.

2 working parents should qualify for 30 funded hours for 3yo, have to be earning certain amount.

Tax free childcare gives 20% off up to limit, think both parents have to work i think.

You still get the tax-free childcare while on maternity leave because you’re still employed.

Im not sure why you were shocked at nursery fees for two half days being roughly £75?

Not everyone gets tax free childcare, it's income assessed.

You are quite right! Sorry.

here’s the link anyway so you can check OP.

www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare