cant afford childcare

[dakmum]

looking for any useful advice, i have 3 kids, 2 at school and a one year old My mum reacently taken ill and she looks after baby the other 2 go to breakfast club and after school care. i only work two days which is 15 hours a week so iv been told wont get tax credits!! Also with my commute im out the house 12 hours the days i work!!! any advice would be brill. p.s. job low paid so complete child care would leave very little left!!

I can only think that there might be a Mum at school that will mind your kids while you mind theirs. Like the WPC arranged. Could you ask around? Dare I say this.... Could their Dad re-arrange things so you can work?

lol, he would love, he a great dad who would love to stay home with kids a bit, unfortunately his wages way more than mine so best stick to that!! great advice though, hoping to sort breakfast club and afterschool with friends and neighbours so hopefully can withstand the nursery costs x

I thought it was the CTC that paid childcare, not the WTC, maybe I'm wrong, surely you get CTC?

In fact I am wrong, got confused by the fact my childcare is paid with my CTC, and my WTC seperately.

Could you ask your employer to increase your hours to 16, but reduce your pay slightly so it evens out IYSWIM.

another v good idea but work for the nhs and previous experience has taught me they are very unflexable and pedantic bout contracted hours etc. hubby came home tonight with info bout childcare vouchers, these could help maybe x

Definitely look into childcare vouchers. They are tax free up to £55 per week and both you and your husband may be able to buy them (depending if your employer provides them). Most childcare providers accept them.