Community Posts, Tips & Support on Childcare & Education

Hi. I’m a single mom to a 1 year old. I have to go back to work, but only make $40 and I work three days a week. The nanny that wants to work for me charges $25 an hour. I’m really hesitant on daycare because my baby likes to be carried, she still contact naps and she’s needy. So I know it would not be a good fit. I...

Sheesh, how much would yall pay someone to paint a nursery? I used to have a fairly cheap handy man, but he became sort of a crook and I ex communicated him. Lol

We finished setting up our nursery this weekend! And I'm so happy how it all turned out with the mural I painted on the wall! ☺️

My LO is 3 months old and I’m a stay at home mom, I find it hard to entertain her all day, plus she doesn’t like strollers 🫠 lol anyone else have this problem? What do you all do to keep you and baby busy?

How much does everyone pay for a baby sitter?? I’ve never had a babysitter so this is a first for our house. My girls are one and a half and almost four. They will already be fed and most likely in bed before the sitter arrives. The girl watching them is a coworker of mine at the daycare my kids go to, so they are f...

Would you think less of a school if they had the year 6s showing you around rather than teachers? There was no real chance to ask questions to members of staff or a talk from someone explaining how the school worked, they settled in reception etc, for some context.

How does the government childcare support of 15 hours per week translate to monetary value (£)? I am considering hiring a nanny for 2-3 days a week. Would the 15 hours of support cover the cost of two full working days?

Do you receive free childcare hours when your child is of the eligible age or do you wait until the next term time after eligible age? Thanks

Is anyone babies not attending nursery? What age will they be going if not?

Is nanny sharing a thing and if so, how do I find people to share with? Not keen on using agencies or apps, but if anyone has had a positive experience with those, please share.

Does anyone know if you pay into an online portal to receive the top up? Or do you need to open a new bank account? And…with the 15 hours free for childcare. Does the nursery apply for it on your behalf? Thanks in advance.

At what age are you planning to start nursery?

Does anyone know what benefits I can get for my 5 month old if I'm on a family visa that states 'no public funds'? My husband is English. Ex 15 hours free childcare, tax free childcare or anything else.

Please could you share any questions you found useful to ask nursery settings?We're going for a show around tomorrow 😊

Hi ladies! I’m wondering if anyone else is considering homeschooling in a couple of years? Would be great to have someone to chat with who is considering homeschooling also. I’m confused about a lot of things. Thanks! X

Are you applying for schools in your catchment only or those outside of catchment? I know I’m thinking too far ahead but I’m worried about applying for schools outside catchment as she’ll end up at a different high school to all her friends 🙈 as I think it’s v difficult to get a place in a different high school in…

I'm curious as to why people put their little ones into nursery/pre-school before they legally need to. No judgement, pure curiosity 😊

So seems crazy to start looking at nursery's but with the 9 months funding alot of places fill up like a year in advance now. Is anyone also thinking about looking round and if so when ?

So yeah I totally forgot to take my son to school today. It’s not real school he’s only 2 but like we been going for 6 months and I’ve never forgot before I actually feel pretty dumb tbh

Which one is best and why? I don’t have other kids, just my 2 yer old, and only wanting do 3-4 half days. But I can’t figure out which session is best, we aren’t tied to anything so either would work, but the nursery don’t allow constant switching.