I have just got a job after 2 years off work having my baby and looking after my 6 yr old. I have sorted chilcare arrangnents which is a nightmare in its self!! The nursery want 1 month in advance which is 800 full time then I would pay the next lot out of my wages. Thr question is this who pays the advance payment? I dont have 800 pounds in my account do the government help with this? I have been told we qualify for working tax and child tax credit. So do they help with advance payments? Im taking a lower paid job as a biology school tecnician so I am off in the school holidays my hours are 8 t30 till 4. We had a total income of 31k last year from.April to April this year. Hope someone can help!!