We share top tips for surviving the shocking costs of childcare — plus find out high street deals from Sun Savers
BEING a working parent is anything but child’s play.
A new report from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) reveals the cost of childcare has risen four times faster than wages since 2008.
And in areas including London and the East Midlands, prices have soared SEVEN times quicker.
Putting a tot into full-time nursery will now set you back an average of £222 per week. And with 70 per cent of mums now working, high childcare costs are something most families face.
Cathy Ranson, from parenting site , says: “The cost of living means most families now need two wages coming in — and if you’re a lone parent you probably have no choice but to work, too.
“It is expensive, but you do have some options so research to find which is best for you and your child.”
Here we’ve teamed up with Cathy to bring you ten top ways to cut the cost of your childcare.
- Check out There’s a clever calculator where you can put in information about your family and see what options and benefits are available to you from the Government. Register and you’ll get email updates if they find a better option for you.
- Does your current childcare provider offer meals, milk and nappies as part of the fee? It may be more cost-effective to provide your own.
- Ask if your or your partner’s employer offer a tax-free childcare voucher scheme. If your childcare provider does not take those particular vouchers, ask them to consider doing so as adding another scheme is often simple.
- Have you got a good friend with little ones who might be interested in a swapping arrangement where you look after their children part of the time and they looks after yours?
- Is there a grandparent or other family member who might be able to help out some of the time? Just make sure that you discuss what is and is not acceptable when it comes to any treats and routines.
- Can you get free childcare from a friend or family member but not at the times you need? Talk to your employer about changing your hours. And see if your partner can consider flexible working, too.
- For occasional childcare, a babysitting circle — where you swap babysitting credits between you — can be a good option. The bigger the group, the better the chances of someone being able to help out.
- When you are researching childcare options don’t rule anything out. A nanny or au pair may seem expensive but could actually work out cheaper than a nursery if you have lots of kids. You could also look into nanny-shares.
- Childcare can be a real struggle during the holidays but many local councils run good-value schemes. You do need to book fast as they fill up as soon as they are announced.
- Consider schools’ wrap-around childcare schemes. Your child will be with their friends and they may be cheaper than other options.
Ping! Hot deal on microwave
SAVE BIG: This deal is hot stuff. Hotpoint Gusto Grill Microwave in black. RRP £119 now £54.97 at appliancesdirect.co.uk.
SAVE: £64.03
SAVE SMALL: You will be happy to into the red for this tasty offer. Heinz Tomato Ketchup 342g, was £1 but now 50p at Iceland.
SAVE: 50p
Windows for a big saving
JACKIE MACLEOD from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, says: “Don’t waste money on expensive window cleaner and cloths. Use a couple of drops of vinegar in warm water and polish with old pages of The Sun. Job done!”
- Send us your tips to [email protected] and you’ll get 28 codes worth £5 if your tip is used. Please include your name and town.
Get car ready for the winter
SAVER SPOT 1: Book into Halfords for a free winter car check worth £15.
The offer includes checks on the battery, light bulbs, windscreen and wipers plus screenwash and oil levels. See for details.
SAVER SPOT 2: Shopping for Christmas party togs early?
Get 12 per cent cashback on online transactions as a new customer with via . Offer ends Sunday.
- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Fancy a free fiver?
YOU can get FREE cash with super Sun Savers just for buying your favourite paper.
Our brilliant new rewards club, which launched this week, will pay back our most loyal readers.
Just pick up the paper each day to collect your Sun Savers codes and we will GIVE YOU £5 when you have collected 28.
This isn’t a one-off and there is no limit to how much cash you can save.
For every 28 codes you enter, we will give you a fiver. So over the course of a year, that could add up to £65.
We are keeping it super-simple. You don’t have to enter codes from consecutive days, so don’t worry if you forget a day or two.
In fact, it is completely up to you how much you save.
Download our easy Sun Savers app and quickly scan your code using your smartphone. Or go online and enter your code at .
What is Sun Savers? Here's everything you need to know about our new rewards club
To get you on your way, join today and we will put a bonus £1 in your Sun Savers wallet tomorrow. And the good news doesn’t stop with free cash.
With Sun Savers, we give you the best hacks, deals and tips to save money every single day.
TO JOIN: Don’t worry, folks — joining takes just 30 seconds, in three steps.
All we’ll ask of you is your name, your date of birth and an email address to get you on the way to your first crisp fiver.
You can choose to save or cash out straight to your bank account or instantly with Paypal.
Don’t delay — join Sun Savers now!
Two free tickets for Madame Tussauds worth £70
HANG out with the cream of the celeb world with our two FREE tickets to Madame Tussauds London, worth £70.
You can take selfies with wax figures of top famous faces and characters, from Kim Kardashian and the Queen to Star Wars’ Han Solo and C-3PO.
Or explore 400 years of London’s history on a taxi ride.
Plus you can enjoy three fantastic new attractions for 2017.
Face your fears in the Alien: Escape experience, then explore the jungles of Skull Island, pose with a wax figure of Tom Hiddleston and confront the mighty King Kong.
Then you can take the hot seat alongside will.i.am in The Voice Experience to see if you have what it takes to be a talent show judge.
Make sure you join Sun Savers to claim your two free tickets to Madame Tussauds London.
It’s the quickest way to book, so you’ll get first dibs on the best dates.
HOW TO GET THIS OFFER
EVER fancied sitting in Voice Coach will.i.am’s iconic red chair? Here’s your chance.
We’re giving away pairs of FREE tickets to Madame Tussauds London where there is a new wax figure of will.i.am along with an interactive The Voice UK experience.
To claim your tickets, worth £70, download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk and collect NINE Sun Savers codes by November 14.
Find out more at .
