Advice needed: Managing work and childcare with 2 kids

My second was born in March and going back Feb or March next year so not yet working with two.
My thoughts are childcare costs for 2 at nursery will only be for a short period of time (Feb until end of August 2027 for us) as toddler will start school Sep 2027 so will just make it work cost wise, allbeit August’s cost will be horrendous!

When will you return to work? Will your eldest be at school by then meaning you’ll potentially need to pay for wrap around care for your toddler e.g. breakfast and after school club term time? Have you looked into costs for this?

Then school holidays will look different for your eldest as they might need holiday clubs etc., or I have friends who have a small group of mum friends from their child’s school and share the load e.g. look after their child plus 2 of their friend’s children etc.

I’ve found it hard. My first was feb 23 and second July 24. We live in wales so childcare offers are different. I’m not this April I’ve got 30 free hours for my 3 year old. And as of next month I get 12.5 a week for my 2 year old. It’s term time only so Augusts nursery bill was…..something else I could have cried!
I still work full time but I’m lucky I have flexible hours so can work anywhere from 5am to 10pm. And I build up flexi to take mornings/afternoons off. But roll on next September when he’s in school and my costs reduce significantly 😅