How does the tax credits, childcare and working work?

[2wwmadness]

Hello,
I am a single mother to a 9 month old DS. I am applying for jobs to go back to work 16 hours a week and just wanted to get to know the process. I understand that my childcare will be paid? So do I get the job first? Or the nusery place first? I can't afford te crossover as my parents live away and there is no one to look after my son whilst I work. Does that make sense? What's the order to applying?

Anyone?

You only get childcare paid at a maximum of 70% of your costs, and will need to pay the rest yourself. Tax credits will only start paying childcare once you are in employment, I'd personally find a childcare provider and explain the situation and see if you can pay as soon as your wages and tax credits start going in, I'd imagine a childminder would be fine with that but no idea about nursery.