Returning to work on min wage and paying for childcare

[s098]

My dd is 17 months and as much as I love being able to spend time with her I'm really bored of having to find things to do. I have a job on a Saturday but it's only 3hours so doesn't earn much but I do enjoy it.
I think I'd like to work part time in the week but I know any childcare will cost almost as much as I'll earn ( I've always worked with horses so usually min wage)
Just wondering if many other parents work but spend everything on childcare just to get out of the house for a few days?

When I first started to work after being a SAHM I only had £10 a week left after childcare and bus fares
But, I stuck it out, had the opportunity to do on the job qualifications
I'm now at the top of my profession
Childcare costs don't last forever and sometimes it's the experience on your cv that gets you the better paid job

would you not be entitled to tax credits? i work 2 days and my youngest goes to nursery both them days and 2 older children go to breakfast club! my tax credits cover all my nursery fees.

Do you live with the baby's dad? Childcare would be a joint cost then.

I do live with dd's dad but I can't really expect him to pay for childcare as he already pays for everything so things are pretty tight now.
I don't think we are entitled to tax credits so really I'd have to wait till she's 3 to get the free nursery hours but I guess if I started a job now it would get easier eventually when that starts

Can you get hours that are different to your OHs? Then there is no childcare required. Several people I know worked opposite shifts to keep jobs going in the early years.