Staring work... funding for childcare?

[Laura--x]

How do you get started with the childcare funding ect ect?? Maisie starts nursery at the local school in september, but im so desperate to get into work now Only a part from job (less than 16 hours) but ive got no chance if i cant get childcare sorted.

I just have no idea where to start/go/look for? Any help?x

 

[AbbynChloe]

you can get working tax credits once you have a job that will contribute towards daycare costs - however you have to be working more than 16hrs, I actually think t goes up in april but dont quote me. you can just give the tax credits people a cal or check out their website xx

 

[teal]

Really what Abby has said. Can you even increase your hours to 16? I work 16 hours a week and I'm able to claim back through tax credits some of the childcare costs xx

I think the hours are going up for people in a couple rather than single mums xx

 

[Laura2919]

You will get working tax credits and the childcare element if you work more than 16 hours a week. You'll still get money towards childcare even if Maisie is in a school nursery because you will need it before and after. I plan to go back to work once the girls are in full time school because I just know I won't be able afford it all as I have already done it.

 

[Laura--x]

I have been told that cause shes 3 on april 28th she cant start any nursery untill the september ?

 

[Ju_bubbs]

I don't know about help with childcare costs, but as for nursury, she CAN start before september if there is a place for her, but you will have to pay for it as they are not funded until the term AFTER they turn 3, which will be september.

 

[Laura2919]

Yeah they don't start nursery until the term after they turn 3. Chloe and Jaycee turned 3 on 29th January so they start in April. At the moment they secured the 2 year funding so they go to nursery 15 hours a week paid for by the 2 year funding agreement but that ends in April for everyone apparently, you only secure a placement like that for certain reasons. I got it because the girls had previously been in a nursery (when I worked, private nursery) and they were struggling with keeping busy at home so they got it, single parents, learning difficulties are other reasons for a child to secure funding.

As for paying for a nursery placement my borough don't do anything like that. You have to wait for the term after they turn 3.

 

[cherry_pie]

Can I just ask, does everyone down as a single mum working more than 16 hours get help? I have a childminder sorted and am ging back to work in four weeks but really worried as to if i will qualify, is it means tested?

 

[angelpkj]

you need to sit and work out if its in your best interest
for me it meant that i could only afford to put my son in nusery one day (tue) and my mum have him the monday
so i work 2-10pm monday and 9-6 tue and thats it

i couldn't afford to do full time work my nusery fees including help would mean i wouldn't be having much money to myself at all

i had to ring up the day i started back at work doh!
i tried the week before and they told me ring back with OFSTED number of nursery and address how much per day etc etc

they pay up to 70% of the costs x