I really want to go back to work but dont know if i can afford to

[starshaker]

I really want to go back to work but i have 2 children that would to go to nursery. Nursery for say 3 days a week would cost £150. Tax credits would cover 70% i think but that leaves about £50 for me to pay and on minimum wage i would struggle. Just wondering if there was anything im missing that would make it do-able?

can anybody offer any advice?

Childminder would be much cheaper and more flexible. i have found working between half nine and two ish works well as childminders often have spaces during the school day. do you have a job to go back to?

There is a job i want to go for at a nursery but they cant take the children as they have a policy about working with family. Ive also called round childminders and they cant take them both so a nursery is my only option.

How frustrating. I went back to work after my second knowing that m gain was,only about 20 pounds a week but it was well worth it for the boost it gave me and a soon as Ds got his free sessions it became much more viable. If you do more than 16 hours you get a lot more tax credits. I hope you find a way to work it out.

I don't understand your maths. If nursery for two children for 3 days is £150 (wow- that's only £25 each per day- very cheap) and you get 70% paid for (lucky you) then even in a minimum wage job you would easily earn more than the remaining 30%. Easily. In fact you'll have a very reasonable chunk left over.
Given that many parents who have to pay full childcare costs out of their own pocket end up literally breaking even or losing money, I can't see the problem here.
Not meaning to be rude- but honestly, do the maths! I earned a lot more than minimum wage when my two dcs were in nursery and I only broke even because we had to pay our own fees. I'd have been over the moon in your position .