Thank you ladies this is all really helping me im seeing my lone parent advisor next week so will go through it with her. I know what nursery id like them to go to just hope they will have space. I also have a friend who is a child minder who has no children on her books yet as the children she did have are now at school.

Hey hun,

Luckily I was only on income support for 1 week before I got a job but still had the dilema of getting childcare at the same time and money for deposit etc.

Please ask ur advisor at the job centre about childcare or if there is a fund in your area that will help with fees. I live in Dundee and we have one called working for famlies. They paid a full weeks deposit and 4 weeks fees up front for me for my 2 boys. Basically just under 500.00 they paid.

As I was already getting child tax I just called to add work details and childcare and it was calculated withing 3 days.

I also got a 4 week bus pass and a voucher for trousers, tops and a pair of shoes for new job, oh and a 50.00 Tesco voucher. Was actually quite amazed at wot I got as it was the first time I had been on benefits.

Your job centre will also have a list of childminders and nurserys so you can call them and put ur name down atleast.

HTH

are you with the new deal for lone parents via the job centre if not do contact the lone parent advisor cos they will help you fund the first months childcare (non-repayable) and help you with finding a job etc.. unfortunately i cant comment how easy it will be in ur area depends what kind of childcare u want.. most nurseries have a waiting list or can only offer half of what you want but you can work between a childminder/nursery or have there name on a waiting list and prefer nursery and use a childminder until nursery space comes available.hths a lil.

Im a childminder and i dont ask for a months money in advance.I have had a few phone just to ask how much i charge and stuff so they are ready for when they do get work,It is hard to get a job then childcare you just have to hope that you find someone or somewhere that as space at the time

when i applied for my tax credits the award cam through really quick .. I did it over the phone and it was awarded the next week ... once you are working you can claim help only if its over 16 hrs a week ... but it makes a big difference it has really helped us afford it ..... I think you may be able to get a grant to help from surestart but not sure ... its worth looking at thier website ... just put in sure strat in goggle and it should bring it up .... good luck

I have a 21 month old and a nearly 3 month old, my ex dp and i split in March/April time. Anyway im on income support at the moment but am looking for a job. The thing is iv no idea how to go about getting childcare once i get a job and how on earth im going to pay a month in advance before i have found a job. Also how easy is it to find childcare im worried about the job starting before iv found somewhere. Also how long does it tak for the childcare element of tax credits to come through?? Im so confused by it all i just dont get how it works, Any advice id be greatful xx