Intruding from mums sept 07 and apr 09 just after some advise.

I had intended to go back to work in dec/jan when my maternity leave from having lila finishes. But we live in surrey and having looked into childcare costs its about £120 a day! I have a good, well paid job-but still only bring home £100 a day so something isnt going to add up....

I just wonder is there anything that I can claim whilst Im not working? looking at taking a year off between smp finishing and leon being entitled to subsidised nursery from the jan after hes 3 when i could afford (sounds daft i know!) to go back to work part time with lila in childminder/nursery. my mum and dh parents both still work full time so no other options for childcare. I looked into the new scheme for childcare for 2 yr olds, leon would qualify due to his cleft....BUT only if we lives half a mile down the road! b*llox!

I already claim my child benefit, and tax credits-unfortunately we only get the minimum and dont qualify for working tax credit or the childcare element. oh i am studying too though dont know if that helps-its distance learning acca (accounting qualification) with a degree alongside (first exam end of year and will last 3-4 yrs), for some reason i think it being distance learning means i generally dont qaulify as being a "proper" student!!!

Thanks in advance for any help! oh and please dont mention on fb as havent officialy resigned yet just in case anything changes.

Tara