Worrying

No need to worry. Look into the new free childcare rules brought in. From September 2025 children from 9 months to school age of working parents are eligible to 30 free hours. Hopefully the new labour government keeps it in.

@Gina I didn’t know this so that’s a massive help! Thank you 🥰 xx

Yeah like above said from September 2025 anyone who’s 9 months will get 30 hours free childcare the term after . So you will receive it after the Easter holidays in 2026 and if you do end up taking the whole year of maternity off you shouldn’t need to worry. Also depending what nursery you want for your child my daughters nursery is termtime only (I only work term time) so she does 5 full days I only pay for half a day

Oh wow!!! Thank you SO much ladies 😍

I know the 30 hours is for termtime usually but most Nurserys if they ask you can split the hours throughout the year so day August time your not hit with a huge bill they’ll spread it over the whole year. To even the cost out for you.

I remember worrying about all the same things with my first, and it’s a juggle, but you will make it work these things do fall into place and the 15 hours will help financially. My biggest advice is getting on to waiting lists for nursery spaces sooner rather than later. With my first, the midwife who came round for my 5 day check post-birth was surprised I hadn’t got myself on any waiting lists and I soon found out why! It can be really hard finding places at the setting you want and with the hours you want etc. some near me have no spaces before summer 2026!

@Gina Hi, is this applicable to Scotland too? 🤞🏼