UK child minding fees?

Question

My husband and I would like to start a family but we are in the same situation as many - mortgaged to the hilt, almost all income accounted for due to bills etc. I will be 30 in 6 months and am starting to panic about leaving it too late but unfortunately I would have to go back to work full time even though I would prefer not to. Could anyone give me advice on what the average cost is to pay a registered child minder for 5 days and also for about 3 days as I think I could work out family looking after a child 2 days a week. This is what is worrying me most as I don't want to go back to work just to cover a child minders fee. I am in Northern Ireland and I know there will be differences in cost but if anyone could give me some average prices just so I know what I'm up against that would be great.

Answer 1

We put our son in a registered nursery from 3 months with my first.

It depends what you "get".  For example in Cumbria, we paid 26 pounds a day (but we did get some help with working family tax credits) but we had to provide nappies, wipes, food and bottles.  Then when we moved here to the NE of England, we paid 25 pounds a day, with food provided.  I thought I would prefer a child minder, but in actual fact, there are more staff at a nursery, and they are regulated all day, so you know they are looking after your child right if you pick the right one.  We did get a tax credit here too.  But it still worked out at about 21 pounds a day, which makes your wage seem very poor and we're not on good money!!

Answer 2

Try having a look at your local council's website - they should have a list of registered childminders in your area and give an idea of what they charge.

Answer 3

I think its around £3.50-£5 a hour depending on where you live. Have a look at the links.

I don't think it should stop you from starting a family.

Answer 4

Will sure like to know this as well. Baby due in a coupla weeks.