Is 30hrs too much?

[Ally24]

I've been offered a job thats 30hrs a week my son will be 14/15 months when it's due to start. I'm really worried about leaving him although he is a very out going sociable child I think I will find it harder than him maybe. Any advice/ past experiences please!!

30 hours sounds great, though i might build it up slowly. Ask if you can do just mornings for the first few weeks so that your ds can get used to the pace of nursery. I would also try to have either a clear day or two half days off so that you can spend time just pottering with your son

I'm not too sure what i'll be expected to do yet but It would be a 30hr contract and I have said I can't do every weekend the most would be every other. Does anyone know if its possible to get a nursery place where one week he goes 2 days and next week he goes 4 days or does it have to be a set amount each week?

I work 30 hours over 4 days - find it fine and flexible though I don't work weekemds. DS is 14 mo and goes to a CM 2 days a week, the other 2 days DH looks after him (he is freelance and works from home). I started at 3 days a week for the first 3 months, but I was returning to a job so could use up leave.

Re: childcare, ask local nurseries and also try cms as they might be more flexible. Good luck

Is it true that you can't claim the childcare element of working tax credits for a child minder but can for a nursery? because i'd only end up with about £20pw if i can't get help with costs.

No, you can claim for a CM. I think. Check with the benefits people in case.

All childcare providers will have different terms, so if you shop around a bit, you may find a provider who will take 2-days one week, 4 days the other week.

Childcare Element of WTC can be used to pay any Ofsted Registered provider, which means it includes Nannies/Babysitters (some like me are Ofsted registered), Childminders, Nurseries, Pre-Schools, and Holiday Clubs.

The leaflet WTC5 from HMRC provides info about Childcare Element of WTC.

If your employer offers Childcare Vouchers, then HMRC have a Calculator which works out if you are better off having those vouchers, or claiming childcare element of WTC.

As for Is 30 hours too much, I work as nanny caring for a 6 month old, 3 year old, 4 year old, 50 hours per week. I started just before the 3 year old had his first birthday, and there have not be any issues with the children settling.
If you child is not very social, I would suggest avoiding nurseries, but instead look for a smaller childcare setting, such as a Childminder (who will typically have up to 6 under 8's, some of whom may be at school). Your DS will then get more individual attention.

Contact your local Children's Information Service (often County Council / Local Council) for a list of childminders in your area.
ChildcareLink provides contact details for Children's Information Service around the country, plus will list some childcare providers (but not all).