I save $1,000 a month on childcare costs – guest post

I save £1,000 a month on childcare costs – check what support you might be entitled to today

Vanessa Ravenscroft is a dedicated Senior Practitioner at Meadow View Nursery, who has been immersed in the world of childcare and early years education both professionally and personally for many years. Having used government childcare support for over six years, Vanessa has a wealth of knowledge and firsthand insights into the benefits of early years education for the whole family. As a mother of three (children aged 8,6 and 16 months), she has balanced her career and family life a little easier, thanks to the multiple financial offers available.

Navigating the world of childcare can feel overwhelming for many parents. As a mum of three, the decision to bring my children to nursery was a significant one, and it has turned out to be incredibly beneficial for my family. I have been using government financial support towards childcare for six years now and want to reassure other parents who may be considering their options.

Luckily, I was aware of government childcare offers before becoming a mum, as I have worked in a nursery my whole career, but lots of my friends didn’t know what support they were entitled to. As a working parent, the government childcare support has been a game-changer for my family. We have used two of the offers available, including the 15-hours and 30-hours childcare. This funding has significantly reduced our childcare costs, saving us around £1,000 per month. This financial relief has allowed me to continue my career whilst ensuring my children receive quality early years education. Without access to childcare, I would not have been able to return to work until my children were at an older age, as I wouldn’t have had anyone to take care of them. Funding has helped me massively, allowing me to work more hours.

The new expansion of childcare support means even more families can benefit who may not have been eligible earlier this year. It’s the perfect time for you to check what support your family may be entitled to by visiting the Childcare Choices website. .

My three children, who each started nursery at the age of two, have thrived in their early years setting. The nursery’s welcoming atmosphere has been crucial in helping them settle and feel at ease. This nurturing environment has provided them with a ‘front row seat’ to developing essential life skills, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth from an early age. They have had numerous opportunities to learn through interactions with other children from diverse backgrounds, preparing them well for the future.

Being in formal childcare also means my children can take part in a variety of activities every day that are trickier or very messy to do at home. They particularly love the outdoor activities, with campfires being a favourite. The nursery’s outdoor setting has been a significant part of their daily routine, allowing them to explore and enjoy nature. This has not only kept them physically active but also sparked their curiosity and love for the outdoors. They often come home excited to share stories about their day, especially the adventures they had during outdoor play.

Using childcare has also given me the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. I work as a Senior Practitioner at Meadow View Nursery, where my role involves supporting children in their development. This job is incredibly rewarding, as I get to see the children grow and develop. The flexibility and support provided by the nursery have been crucial in finding the right balance between my professional life and motherhood. 

Being a mother to my three children brings me immense joy, but it’s also important for me to carve out time for self-care and to have an identity outside of being a parent. This balance has been essential for my well-being, helping me to be a better mother and professional.

Balancing family life can be a challenge, but childcare support is available to benefit both parents and children. Childcare support can give your child a good start whilst giving you work choices, helping you juggle family life a little easier and easing the financial strain on the family. The offers are expanding too.  Eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3 years can now get 15 hours per week for 38 weeks a year, increasing to 30 hours from September 2025. Some parents receiving support like Universal Credit or whose child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan can also access 15 hours for their 2-year-old.

Visit the Childcare Choices website to find out what you might be entitled to today and in the future: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk