Returning to work

[Firefly18]

Hello, so I'm after some advice 😊
I'm currently on maternity leave with my second child. She's 6 months old. I've been working as a waitress in a café since my first child was one.
I'm thinking about applying for a job in a play group local to me (I have childcare qualifications and worked in a nursery for 10 years). The job would start after Easter so would have to give up maternity leave 2 months earlier than I would if going back to old job. The new job would be 4 mornings a week term time only which is what is drawing me to apply. I just don't know what to do for the best. Is it silly to lose the 2 months of maternity pay? Am I mean for leaving my 6 month old? I would probably have tried to go back 2 days to the cafe if allowed. Obviously would be through school holidays.
Does anyone have any advice? Thanks I'm advance

Is the maternity leave just the statutory, I presume you do not need to back to your old job or repay it? Longer term the playgroup perhaps sounds like a better fit for you. Do you have someone to cover childcare?

I'd apply for it and see where you get to. The process will help you work it out.

@LondonPretty I know what you mean. The thought of having to leave her makes me feel sick. I've just always said a term time job is the dream. Maybe going back to my old job for only 2 days a week would be better. Its so hard to know. I definitely can't afford to stay off after the 9 months is over though

@Unexpecteddrivinginstructor yes just statutory pay so no I wouldn't have to go back or pay anything back.

@YoBeaches I was thinking this but some people have said it's rude to apply for a job and get an interview and then turn down the job if I was offered it