News
What childcare really costs in the UK - and how it compares to other countries
7+ hour, 4+ min ago (1089+ words) Parents in the UK are still likely to spend more of their wages on ensuring their children are looked after than in Germany and France Parents in the UK are still paying some of the highest childcare costs in the…...
Nursery teachers to get "4, 500 tax-free bonus if they take jobs in these 10 areas
3+ week, 3+ day ago (782+ words) Ministers expect 1, 200 teachers to benefit in the scheme's first year Qualified nursery teachers will be offered a "4, 500 tax-free bonus to take jobs in 10 areas of the country with the most acute staff shortages. Ministers expect 1, 200 teachers to benefit from the…...
We pay "80, 000 to live on a country estate with free childcare. Here's how
1+ mon, 12+ hour ago (980+ words) On a Suffolk farm, 60 people are living communally sharing land, skills, bathrooms and mealtimes I arrive in the Suffolk countryside on a quiet Monday morning to experience an alternative way of living. Sixty-three acres of this farming community stretch out…...
I'd rather pay for childcare than ask the grandparents - they can't be trusted
1+ mon, 1+ day ago (667+ words) If a professional childminder ignores instructions, you simply stop using their services and do not then see them at Christmas For many parents, having a grandparent or two on hand to help with school pick-ups, unexpected late nights at work…...
My friend gave up her job to care for grandkids - we're being exploited
1+ mon, 1+ day ago (661+ words) For many parents, having a grandparent or two on hand to help with school pick-ups, unexpected late nights at work or just a couple of hours" respite from their kids can be a life-saver " and the chance to save on…...
After decades of parenting, I regret not taking a child-free holiday sooner
1+ mon, 2+ day ago (1858+ words) Crete offered the tranquility needed to ease back into the magical, insular world of the couples' getaway" Alongside the natural beauty and the inviting blue pool, it is, I think, the silence that strikes us first. An unbroken sense of…...
I paid tax for years - only for maternity pay to leave me financially crippled
1+ mon, 5+ day ago (546+ words) When you've been diligently earning a wage, contributing to the system, attempting to create security and independence, this drop in income is staggering" There are plenty of misconceptions around maternity leave; that it's a holiday, that it's relaxing, that it's…...
I long for grandchildren of my own - being a step-grandparent isn't the same
1+ mon, 1+ week ago (473+ words) I see my partner's magical connection with his grandson and feel broody. I'd love to experience that true love and sense of purpose" I didn't think before I spoke. The words rushed out. "I'm honoured," I said, "but I'd prefer…...
I spent years raising kids and grandkids - now they're angry I'm retiring to Spain
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (1807+ words) Their response - that I'm making a daft choice to move abroad at 78 - has really taken the shine off what was supposed to be a lovely announcement But as a grandparent, it hasn't been easy to step away from family life....
Childcare is like a second mortgage so I'm considering a "15, 000 pay-cut in Portugal
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (1033+ words) Leadership coach Keren Blackmore advises a parent considering moving abroad for a cheaper life I have a bit of a life dilemma. I'm very senior where I work and am currently in the office four days a week in central…...