how much do you spend on childcare outside basic school hours?

[secrethideaway]

just looking ahead to my DD starting school, I'm wondering how much people tend to have to pay.

let's say I have to drop her off somewhere around 7am and do pick up around 6pm - which is what happens now with a nursery.

Do you use a mix of school clubs and other childcare? - a tutor? - childminder?

i want to understand whether i can afford to have another one when DD goes to primary school, and think it's going to depend on the balance of nursery fees for the second, and wrap around costs for the first

I'm in the midlands, not an overly expensive part of the country but nursery costs are still high here e.g. £1000+ for a full work week. Childminders possibly a bit cheaper. DD would be going to a state school so no school fees.

thanks x

From looking at these responses I think our before and after school options are great -we do live in the South East commuter belt though, so everything is set unfit parents getting trains.

We pay £315 per term for early drop off and late room at school 3 days a week, so 7.45 - 6.30pm. However aftercare until 4.30 is free for pupils so long as it is booked (it is an independent school though).

Local state schools have similar provisions too, but the costs are usually slightly more as they include the 3.30-4.30 hour. Some finish earlier too. Many of the school clubs are run on the school sites but will take children who don't attend that school for holiday care, as they are run by contractors rather than the school.

As others have suggested, I think you really need to research the options local to you. Phone the schools and ask what their wrap around provision is. Ask friends what they do. Ring some child minders to find out costs. It varies some from place to place that the only way you can really plan is to research the local provision. And don't forget to look at holiday care too - the price of this often drops massively once they are actually 5 though.

Have one ds who uses a club linked to the school, after school. £10.50 per session, use it 3x per week. Approx £120 per month

Just to add it's a great club, they do lots with the children and provide a lovely light tea.