Community Posts, Tips & Support on Childcare & Education

Does anyone else think about the intangibles that you gain from attending public schools? i feel like i only hear about the negative side of the public schools system. People rant and rave about private or charter schools but i think there’s so much to be gained from a public school beyond the scope of intellectual ...

Do you agree?

Hello, I have 3 years old girl who turns 4 next January and she is my first child, so I have no idea what to do for applying for the reception school. I live in Gateshead, but has this started yet? Is there anything I should do?

Hi everyone, Has anyone already bought some nursery furniture or if not, when do you plan on getting it?🥰

Silly question, but how much support is there for taking care of the baby the night or 2 after giving birth at the hospital? Who changes diapers, does feeding (if not breastfeeding), quiets baby if crying, do midwives help with this or is it all on the parents? I’m wondering if we should plan on leaving the hospita...

What does your basic daily schedule look like for preschool? Looking or ideas. Any links to free curriculum is welcome here.

Does anyone recommend a baby nest? I’ve seen mixed reviews and want to know if it’s worth it! 🥰

Hi ladies, What are your costs each month for nursery including funding? I have been quotes 360 and 462 each month for 2 separate nurseries and these include the 15 hours funding. It's for 2 days a week. Does this seem alot? What do you pay each month and how many days?

Hi guys, I missed the deadline to apply for funded childcare in August. I'd like to apply for my 14 month old can I apply now or do I need to wait?

Hey mummys! My little girl is 3 years old and we have a 3 month old son also. Wondered what nursery hours everyone’s 3 year olds are doing?

I’m really confused with the information out there. It says on GOV website that applications are open for eligible working parents whose children will be aged at least 9 months old on or before 31st December 2024! My little one won’t be 9 months old until January, so does that mean we are not entitled to the 15 hour...

Baby is 5 months, her bouncer goes up to 6months or 20kg which she is coming up too. She loves playing with her toys in her bouncer and means I can grab some lunch, wash dishes/bottles or do the laundry etc (shes probably in it for it minutes max every 3 hours) I also like her sitting in it while we chat, sing son...

We’re struggling to find a decent state secondary school for our bright, creative and dynamic ten year old. Meanwhile her very academic friends with wealthy parents who have paid for tutoring since year 4 have been offered places in grammar schools, including her best friends. I know people just want the best for ...

My little one turns 3 next month and so in January he will be entitled to 30 hours free childcare. He currently gets 15 hours free but what is the process to increase to 30 his nursery know and said it’s fine to change to 30 hours but is there anything I need to do on the childcare account to increase the hours we w...

Hello all, Any book recommendations on toddler parenting or maintaining work/life balance with kids?

Is it only in certain places that they charge a CRV tax with WIC? I had WiC with my 5 year old and never had that issue. Now that I have it again I get charged every time I buy juice.

Can any single working mums give me advice on how they deal with childcare costs and what is free and what isn’t? I’ve been claiming the 15 free hours at nursery as my little one is 2, he has just been doing a Monday full day as I work Mondays and Tuesdays then Tuesdays he goes to my mums as they didn’t have any a...

I was wondering if moms who have older kids can explain kindergarten to me. Born 9/20/21 and so idk if he can go only when he turns 5 or if he can attend when he is 4 and soon turns 5. And do most schools do half day for kinder? I worry it will be too long of a day if not.

I am reaching out for any advice regarding childcare options for nurses who work 12-hour shifts. I will be caring for my daughter alone without any support, and I am worried about how to manage childcare when I return to work in four months. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

What nursery would you recommend? (And which to steer clear of). We live in Stokes Bay area.