Childcare costs

[Belfast]

I'm soon to become a single parent, all being well.

Can anyone tell me how much childcare is likely to cost me, because I'd need to go back to work full-time after 6 months maternity leave?

Also, is there any help I can get with this - I'm on a decent salary - I've tried the tax credit website but can't understand it.

Thanks for any help!

[Trinny]

HI Belfast, you may find it easier by ringing HM Customs, and speaking to someone, giving them your salary details and childcare costs, they may be able to work it out for you.

[Bohne]

I pay 380 Euro per month for 40 hours per week childcare.
(that's around 260 pounds)
It would be cheaper in a daycare center, but I like the fact that he's in a family and being spoilt rotten!

Good luck for you and the baby!

[Belfast]

Hi Bohne, that's actually less than I thought. Can I ask how you found your childminder?

Thanks,

[Bohne]

Sure, by the Euro price you might have figured, that I do not live in England...

Here in Germany we have an organisation that teaches childminders and act as their agents...
Their services are free to parents looking for carers, but the carers pay a small annual fee.

Have you seen this site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/childcare/avail able_childminders.shtml

At the bottom there are official organisation in England, Ireland and Scotland.

I would definitely use an official organisation!

[Bohne]

And I am very happy with my day-mother (that's what they are called here).
She spoils my baby rotten!

:o)

[amonty1144]

If you phone your local authority they will have a Children's information Service, or look on their website, they will have a list of registered childcare providers, including childminders and nurseries. To enable to get you to get WFTC, the provision must be registered, you should be able to reclaim 70% of your childcare costs.

Make sure you visit the providers a couple of times before you commit, busy and quiet, just to get a feel for them and see if they meet your and your babies needs.
It is highly likely you will need to pay in your holidays to.

Costs depends on provision and what time of childcare it is. For a baby in a private nursery in scotland is about �30 per day, childminders range between �4 and �6 per hour in my area.

[ayla99]

Fees vary depending on where you live - childminders in london and cambridge city centre charge between �5-7 an hour and in more rural areas its about �3.20 - �3.75. Childminders often charge a cheaper hourly rate for full time care. Check whats included in fees (usually you have to provide nappies, wipes etc but a few childminders provide a nappy service, similarly some childminders include meals, others charge separately). Check what the childminder charges for bank holidays, annual holidays & sickness/ days off (hers & yours)

If eligible, you can claim up to 80% of your childcare costs paid under the childcare element of tax credits. Call 0845 300 3900 for more help on this.

You can find a childminder at www.childcarelink.gov.uk. Also www.littlesparkles.co.uk and www.emergencychildcare.co.uk

Help & Advice in choosing a childminder can be found at
www.ncma.org.uk
www.surestart.gov.uk

Also call 0800 868 868 and ask about the New Deal for Lone Parents