Nursery/pre-school/childcare realy confused re tax credits etc..

[Marne]

Dh and i both work part time (when he's at work i'm at home ,when he's at home i'm at work) we both want to up our hours to be able to make ends meet.
I have to dd's (3yo and 1yo) and we need to find childcare for 1-2 days a week. Our loccal playgroup (which dd1 was due to join) has closed down leeving me with 2 choices, a nursery near where i work or a childminder, to put both dd's in nursery for a day will cost me £42 which is alot of money to me.
What help am i entitled too and how do i go about claiming it?
Should i put them in nursery or find a childminder?
DD1 has a place at the nursery (after half term) but not sure if i want to send dd2 there as it looked more sutable for older children not babbies.

I am going to be in a similar situation. It seems that if you are both working part time (16 hours or more) then you are entitled to 70-80% or childcare costs, BUT I think it depends on how much you earn. It is worth phoning the tax credit helpline and give them the scenario and they will be able to work out how much you might be entitled to.

I have 2dds too, 1 yo and 2.5yo. It is soo difficult to decide what is best. i would rather look after them myself but I think the government now think that this is a luxury! i think it is such a shame that mums are now being forced to go back to work in order to afford a decent standard of life!

Hope it works out!