More men are to be encouraged in to a careers in nurseries and early years settings, in a new project to provide more diverse role models for children before they start school.
With men making up just three per cent of early years staff in England, the project aims to break down the barriers that prevent men entering careers in children’s early education, including the myth that men are less suited to caring roles.
Children’s and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi has today announced a £30,000 grant to support the scheme and help …

The latest research by Cuckooz Nest, a flexible workspace with integrated creche facilities, has looked at the high cost of childcare in the UK and how this compares to the rest of Europe.
A previous survey by Cuckooz Nest found that 46% of parents cited the affordability of childcare as the largest obstacles when returning to work after having a child, hardly surprising given that the UK is home to the third most expensive level of childcare in the EU.
Cuckooz looked at the average monthly childcare costs of each nation as …

Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme that helps working parents with childcare costs. This includes the self-employed. If you are eligible,  as a self-employed parent you could get up to £2,000 per child, per year to spend on childcare. To find out if you are eligible and see what help you could get, go to Childcare Choices and use the Childcare Calculator. It’s easy to use and should take around 5 minutes to complete.
 

The UK’s largest platform for childcarers and parents has revealed which UK regions are the most expensive for childcare services, with London unsurprisingly topping the list across every service.
Over the last year Childcare.co.uk has analysed the prices its childminders, babysitters, nannies and day nurseries charge per hour across the UK to find the average cost of childcare in each area.
Members of the public can find out what the average childcare cost is in their area here: https://www.childcare.co.uk/costs
Childcare.co.uk has used its data to create a nationwide league table of the most expensive …

Do you know that heart sinking feeling when you start to focus on the fact that it’s not your turn to have your children with you this Christmas. Add to that a slight jittery panicky sensation and a cold heavy feeling of dread. It’s the part that still strikes a chord deep within and brings tears to the surface however relieved you are not to be living with your ex any longer.
For some this is the very worst part of being divorced, especially if your children are young enough to …

Employing a nanny to help with you your busy working life has many advantages but you do need take into consideration the legal and financial side. Below are points that you should give some thought.
Contract:
Once you have found the perfect nanny for your family, you are officially their employer. Creating an official and formal contract is one of the responsibilities of becoming an employer. They have the same benefits as any other people who work in the UK as they are making their career out of helping and looking after …

By Jonathan Amponsah CTA FCCA. CEO of The Tax Guys
A recent survey revealed that 49% of all nurseries in England do not make profits. Parents, who believe child care costs are too high will be surprised by this. In a recent article by the National Day Nursery Association their chief executive said: “The nurseries closing tend to be small but much-loved and long-established preschools.”

How can nurseries like these improve their finances?
Review Your Business Model.
Knowing your target market and serving them well is a key profit driver so you need to ask …

There are various ways to save on childcare costs, one new one and one which is closing soon.
First: have you taken up Childcare Vouchers with your employer? If these are on offer and you are employed they can save you 32%. Act now, though, and this scheme closes 5th April.
Second: there is a new Tax Free Childcare scheme where for every 80p you pay in the Government tops it up with 20p.
There are pros and cons to each scheme so read this infographic from Money Saving Expert to see which …

Getting kids back into a term time sleep routine doesn’t have to be a nightmare according to The Sleep Council.
Late nights, long lie ins and days without structure are just some of the reasons the summer holidays play havoc with children’s sleeping patterns. But as the start of a new school year looms, parents are advised to start trying to re-establish their regular sleep routines a good week before they go back.
Said Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council: “It’s not uncommon to find that the long break disrupts bed and …

This October Australian retreat group Motherground are so excited to be sharing the Motherground experience with our mumma friends in the UK. Partnering up with the amazing Suzanne Cork Yoga to offer you a retreat experience like no other.
Becoming a new mum is a time when there is so much giving of yourself, a Motherground retreat will give you back what you need, so you can take a breath for you. Take some time out for you and your baby and make it your time to unwind, relax and reground. This is a dedicated time …