The Childcare Guide

I'm looking at going fully self employed and from what I've read id get 15 hours free childcare for my children, and during the start up 12 month period I don't have to achieve any income guidelines

Has anyone got experience with this?

my baby is gonna be 4 months on the 26th and i want to start solids she takes a bottle every 4-5 hours then should i feed her solids? what is a good feeding schedule? and how much?

It’s a long way off as I’m not due to may, but I’ve been doing the paperwork for my maternity for work and got me thinking about childcare when I go back, anyone work shifts which means the days they require childcare move each week? What’s the best time of childcare for this? Are there nursery’s that are adaptable or is it better going with a child minder?

Those who are already using childcare, what is your top tip for those parents who are starting to look or about to start using childcare?

Mine would be to understand that the way you parent isn't 'normal'. So ask ALL the questions you want to! Ask what they do in certain situations to make sure it is something that you would be happy happening to your child.

I have supported parents as an emergency nanny who have pulled their child out of childcare simply because they didn't understand the setting they chose (setting had done nothing wrong, they just had a different style to the parents).

Save yourself the same stress! I have written a guide/journal to support you so you can ask all the important questions (the book has over 130 questions!)

What's your top tip?

Hi, I’m due back at work early next year and thinking about options for childcare. My preference would be a nanny in my home since I’ll be working from home and would like to see my child during the day. However, after contacting several agencies in London the cost is exorbitant (£24 per hour + agency fees + additional costs) regardless if you are looking for a full time nanny.

I’m aware that the cost of nursery is also very high, but the staff don’t necessarily get paid well. Surely there are trained nursery staff that would be interested in a nanny position that would be reasonably priced? Any advice on how to search for such staff, or advice on finding reasonably priced Nannie’s for a full time position?

Thanks.