Childcare - 9 Months to 2 Years

embob74

k3lvc wrote: »

In a few years time you'll be yearning for a return to the time when childcare was available 08h00 to 18h00 rather than school times of 09h00 to 15h00

I second this! Being able to have care from 8am to 6pm is a godsend and when the child starts school you suddenly have to find wraparound care which is not so easy. I planned way in advance and made sure my child was at a school with an after school club but they are sadly not as prevalent as it was hoped they would be.

LilElvis

BSM2014 wrote: »

Hi All, sorry if this is the wrong section as not sure where it would fit into...

Anyhow this is mostly a vent , but would like others view on this...

The government provides SMP for maternity leave upto 9 months for my wife. However there is then a big gap until 2 years where you become eligable for potential free childcare support...

What is it that the government expect mums to do from 9 months to 24 months. Not work and recieve no support? Go back to work but pay for childcare until reaching 2 years? For my wife to go back to work part time it would likely cost us more in childcare, i just find the situation a little baffling and illogical. :mad:

Would be interested to hear other parents view on this?

Thanks

The only thing that is baffling and illogical is that you think that the State (and therefore other taxpayers) should provide in any way for the child that the two of you chose to have. What did your parents do? They didn't have extended SMP, child tax credits, childcare voucher system, 15 hours of funded childcare at age 3 etc - only child benefit - and yet they somehow managed to raise you.

sinizterguy

embob74 wrote: »

A big problem is that part-time childcare is more expensive than full-time. The hourly rate is reduced if you book a whole morning, reduced further if you book a whole day and reduced more if you book the whole week.
I also think it insulting that women are expected to be happy with part-time roles which are usually lower paid and at a lower level than they had when they worked full time.
I realised very quickly that there will never be equality while women bear the children.

The dad is just as free to take over child care. The woman doesn't have to if they can work it out within the family. Or both could be part time.

That's for each individual family to work out.

As for part time child care, the hourly rate may be more, but the total expense is less.

custardy

BSM2014 wrote: »

Yep tottaly understand that. We made a decision to have children and it is our responsibility. However it is still a flaw in our govermental system - there is no mechanism for childcare at the end of maternity and until 2 years - so what do they expect to happen?

For instance a married couples tax allowance where i could recieve my wifes tax allowance within my tax code as she would be not working but also not recieving any benefits. That would be a start...

What do other parents do during this period?

You will find just as we did.
Nurseries will happily take your money between 9 months and 2 years.

BSM2014

LilElvis wrote: »

The only thing that is baffling and illogical is that you think that the State (and therefore other taxpayers) should provide in any way for the child that the two of you chose to have. What did your parents do? They didn't have extended SMP, child tax credits, childcare voucher system, 15 hours of funded childcare at age 3 etc - only child benefit - and yet they somehow managed to raise you.

In no way do i think it is the responsibility of the state - and therefore other taxpayers responsibility to pay for my childs childcare. On an equal merit i dont feel its my repsonbility as a higher rate tax payer to have almost half my income pay for people who cant be bothered working and squeeze every benefit out of the system. We pay in way more than we take out.

Thanks forthe advice on child care vouchers too. We'll look into this further.

custardy

BSM2014 wrote: »

In no way do i think it is the responsibility of the state - and therefore other taxpayers responsibility to pay for my childs childcare. On an equal merit i dont feel its my repsonbility as a higher rate tax payer to have almost half my income pay for people who cant be bothered working and squeeze every benefit out of the system. We pay in way more than we take out.

Thanks forthe advice on child care vouchers too. We'll look into this further.

So its fairer for a 'higher rate tax payer' if they get a dip in the trough?
You pay in 'way more'?
So private healthcare?

BSM2014

custardy wrote: »

So its fairer for a 'higher rate tax payer' if they get a dip in the trough?
You pay in 'way more'?
So private healthcare?

A dip in the trough? Sorry could you elaborate

BSM2014

Oh and for what its worth - when we did plan on having our child my wife was employed and working full time. It was discussed with her employer that she could return part time on flexible working. Unfortunately she was made redundant at the start of her maternity leave and so would need to find new employment at the end of SMP

fannyadams

When my two were born (2000 and 2014) I had 18 weeks paid maternity leave and THAT WAS IT.
I went back to work when mine were 12 weeks old and it felt like I was paying my salary directly into the childcare coffers without passing go or collecting £200.
My partner didn't get ANY paid paternity leave, but had to work half days when our second child was born because I had PND and couldn't cope with our eldest at home after preschool, and the baby.
The FREE sessions came in when my two turned 3, and this was only in term time and was 5 half day sessions per week for 39 weeks. Not easy when I was back at work full-time 12 weeks after having my second child, but it did make a small impact on the fees.
The Child Tax Credits have cocked up more than once (their fault every time), and they've chased me for well over £5K overpayment.
I'll admit I am finding it difficult to sympathise with you.

tea_lover

BSM2014 wrote: »

Oh and for what its worth - when we did plan on having our child my wife was employed and working full time. It was discussed with her employer that she could return part time on flexible working. Unfortunately she was made redundant at the start of her maternity leave and so would need to find new employment at the end of SMP

So she could work p/t somewhere else - It's just a different employer. I don't see why your wife being made redundant means you ranting at the government for not funding your childcare?