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Advice re childcare/work

2 replies

TwinMama88 · 17/08/2022 18:03

I'm hoping I can gain some wisdom and advice.

Brief overview...I'm a single mom to twin toddlers.
I worked full time prior to having them, but due to a few reasons, gave up work to be a SAHM while they were little.
It was a planned pregnancy, but the father decided to up and leave, and I ended up with a surprise of 2 instead of the 1 you expect.

So therefore as from today, I'm now on UC after supporting myself with savings over the last couple of years.
My problem is, I'm being pressured to go back to work, and tbh I do want to do something to make me feel a bit more human again, but I just can't afford the childcare.
A 2 parent family with 1 child as planned would have been OK. But obviously that's not the case now.
I'm using the 15 hours funded for them, but just to do 1 extra half day a week, is working out at £300pcm.
Full time would be £2400.
That's before my household bills.
What am I going to do? I'm not trained or qualified in anything specific, so the jobs I'd likely get would be min wage.
I did want to go to Uni to enable me to get a good job, but I'd still have the issue of childcare.

Help.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
jlr1986 · 17/08/2022 18:24

Hey! How old are your children? You have mentioned that they get 15 hours free... is that the 3 year old funding? If so you can get up to 30 hours free if you work on average 16 hours a week, which may help a little?. Also the going back to university, depending on what you are wanting to study there are many grants and loans!! I am starting a health course in September and I am actually better off studying.. obviously I will need to pay back my student loan. But you get a childcare grant to cover the nursery, extra for dependents etc, and I am working part time also. It's really difficult especially with x2 children, you just need to have a job that pays more that the childcare... however that is easier said than done!

TwinMama88 · 17/08/2022 18:47

Thanks for your reply.
They're not 3 until next year, so won't be eligible for the 30 hours until then.
That's good to know about studying help though! I really wanted to use this time before they start school to get myself onto a course to enable me to provide better for us in the future with a good job.
I was considering a part time job for now but it is hard as most places need more hours than I would be able to currently do, or they're not flexible.
I have no friends or family nearby to help with nursery drop off/pick up or any additional childcare either.

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