Community Posts, Tips & Support on Childcare & Education

So when do our babies start full time school because I’m so confused by it?? My daughter already goes to a private nursery, which we will keep her in until she goes to ‘proper’ school, she won’t be going to a school nursery.. is it September 2026?🤯

I get paid on Friday but until then I have no money or food, my son starts nursery tomorrow but I don't have anything to give him for breakfast or to take for lunch and the nursery chargers £3 for them to have lunch there, even when he comes home I don't really have anything I can give him for dinner. Does anyone ha...

Does anyone use the government scheme for childcare ? If so when making payment to your designated childcare provider how to you do this ? I can’t find the button to send it and I remember I had the button previously

I’ve been struggling so much lately just wondering so much about the future. I just wonder how did you guys manage to even get to the point where you stable on your own with your child? Because right now I’m doing my final year and I hate my degree because it’s just so tough. But my biggest fear is leaving school wi...

How are you all feeling now the 2018 baby's have gone back to school, after the holidays? A sigh of relief, or do you feel sad? 🙂

My husband works, I don’t. My daughter turns 3 in December. Will we qualify for 15 free hours government funded? Despite me not working. I know we won’t get the 30 free hours as that’s for working parents only but can someone clarify for me? Also when do I apply? Or do I just talk to the pre school that she’s at ...

What is better 3 full days or 5 half days? any opinions welcome thanks

FTM here and have just started reaching out to nurseries for our LG to start in Jan 2025. Had no idea how busy / booked up they get but am finding a lot of them already full and starting to get v worried about not getting anything before I must return to work. Hoping for some kind of reassuring words please!

Does anyone have any recommendations for housekeepers?

Hey Mama’s, can you please tell me why you choose the Nursery your LO goes to? Also please what are the key things that you considered

How far in advance should I be thinking about nursery/child minder plans for my baby?

Anyone know how long it will take to visit to a nursery? Dont know if it’s worth my partner taking a half day from work or if it’ll be quick and he’ll be able to pop out just for the visit. Thanks xx

What do you do when your little one is at nursery and it’s your day off?

Hey mums , I’m on universal credit but starting a PT job in a few weeks Do I apply for the 85% from UC or 15 hours. I’m I eligible for the 15 hours and 85% from UC ?

My lo is starting nursery at the end of the month and we’ve worked out it’s around £250 for 3 afternoons a week!? With the 10 odd gov hours a week… She will be having 1 snack (no lunch no dinner) we think that’s extortionate price!! Anyone else’s baby going to nursery and how much are you paying?

How are we meant to know what's schools to apply for? I assumed we'd be sent a pack of information and schools in our area etc but I see people have applied today :/

Can anyone explain how this works please in actual English and no big words 😅 I’m really having trouble understanding how it works/what I pay for, what I don’t

My lo will be starting nursery in January and will be 9 months old in march 2025, when am I supposed to be applying for the 9 hours free hours? It’s really confusing me on the internet 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Is anyone else's LO starting pre-school this week and a complete mess 😩 wondering where the time has gone and how they are so grown up all of a sudden 🥺

I'm thinking of giving my daughter £5 per week, as things are lot more expensive than they were 30 years ago when I first had pocket money. Also, those with more than 1 child, how do you go about it? Do you give each child the same amount each or, maybe the older one a bit extra if there's an age gap. I have a 4 yea...