I want to go back to work...are there any grants to help me with initial childcare?

Question

I am a 19 year old mother of a little girl who is one, my husband is in the army and I want to get back to work. I know that tax credits will help us with the childcare, however the nursery are asking for £1600 upfront. £800 deposit and £800 for teh full month fees in advance. I have tried asking my bank for a loan but was refused. Does anyone know of anything that we can apply for to help us get our daughter into nursery so that I can work full time? Just to point out that I am NOT claiming any benefits at all just now, we live off my husbands wage and tax credits only. TIA

Answer 1

I agree with Emma. Most nurserys you pay a month in advance so £800 would be the norm, but 2 months up front is unusual. Ask the nursery what help is available as they should know. I think depending upon the age of your children you can get vouchers, but other than that i don't know of anything.

Answer 2

Asking for that amount up front is alot of money, and no there is nothing that will pay your fees nurseys always ask for payment in advance but i would either look for another nursery or talk to them and ask if thay will accept payment of i month in advance, there are cheaper options and going cheaper does not mena comprimise on quality maybe look for a childminder locally most of whom will accept weekly payment in advance or a childrens centre were childcare iss alot cheaper and again you do not have to comprimise on quality alot of the care is excellent you can get a list of childminders from your local council or ofsted

Answer 3

I'd look at different nursery they shouldn't be asking for all that money upfront

Answer 4

Have you looked at your local schools? my son goes to the school across the road from me- they offer all sorts of childcare it is £35 a day to have a baby cared for and they don't ask for any upfront fees what so ever.

Try and shop around, look on this website for childcare in your area, I sure you can find a good quality service with better payment rules then the one you have found so far.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Chil...