Nursery costs more than a lot of people earn net of tax & tax credits

kingfisherblue

At playgroup, mum, dad or grandparent is still there. At nursery, they are not. My advice would be to look around, get a feel for the places that you visit, and ask other parents. Ofsted reports are not always accurate - I speak from experience here.

It was really difficult to let my son go to nursery, as his disabilities at multiple and severe. However, it gave him the chance to play with other children, to develop confidence, and to learn better social skills. Allowing him to attend Scouting was even harder, but he thrived on it. He adored Beavers and Cubs, although Scouts wasn't really suitable for him despite giving it a fair try. He would have missed out on so much if I hadn't trusted those leaders to give him the opportunity.

All children are entitled to free nursery from age three - I think it's 15 hours a week. That will help financially. Tax credits are available for those on lower incomes. Maybe it won't cost as much as you think, depending on your personal circumstances.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

System

Thankyou, I think as he gets older it'll seem ever more beneficial for him, and playgroup sounds best at the moment

kingfisherblue

Don't forget that there might be other groups available as well as playgroup. My granddaughter has attended a Surestart 'music and mayhem' group since she was a few months old - basically, it is singing nursery rhymes, with associated actions where appropriate. My daughter takes her once a week, and it is free.

Our local library has 'read and rhyme' twice a week, another free group. Baby yoga costs £5 though.

A parent or carer attends with children for each of these, and babies can go from birth or soon after.

System

Thank you, we haven't been to much as my partner finds it difficult to get out while I'm at work (top floor flat, and can't drive) - might get easier when we move, have been meeting up with some of the antenatal group 1 year on and babies interact - some of them are more keen on meeting than others

kingfisherblue

Top floor flat sounds difficult. I've always lived in a house, so not had that problem. Mine are older now, and I didn't drive until my third child was born, but there weren't as many groups either. I now take my granddaughter to groups if her mum (my daughter) is at work. I must admit that being able to drive makes things easier.

Proud granny moment - my granddaughter is a year old today:D

lulu_92

We're having this issue at the moment as we are having twins. Childcare for one baby was fine, but for two it puts us in the red.

OH has suggested he get a night job and I go to work in the day. I'm not sure how this would work out as OH would need his sleep when the twins are awake..

1trainer1

Nursery is good for the child to play with other children in a safe area, we are starting in January and will be sending our daughter two days a week.

Cost is £56 per day which is reasonable as it's got a lot of outside space and they have a farm on site

Spendless

lulu_92 wrote: »

We're having this issue at the moment as we are having twins. Childcare for one baby was fine, but for two it puts us in the red.

OH has suggested he get a night job and I go to work in the day. I'm not sure how this would work out as OH would need his sleep when the twins are awake..

Depending on what hours he's thinking of working, would half days in a Nursery work. You do pay more for 2 x half day sessions, than one full day session but it might work out financially with two of them.

My sister had twins and the only way she was able to work was because of family help.