Nursery World - We can't afford to work

I am writing in response to 'Who's going to do it?' (Letters, 7 April). As a nursery nurse with an NNEB, currently studying for a degree, I can tell you why more mature people (mothers) do not go back to childcare after having children. I used to work in a pre-school. It was super, but the work was only three hours a day in term time - not really financially viable. I now have a job in a day nursery and would love to put in more hours. I earn 5.50 an hour, but I still work term-time only, because childcare costs 4 an hour and I have two children.

I used to work in a pre-school. It was super, but the work was only three hours a day in term time - not really financially viable. I now have a job in a day nursery and would love to put in more hours. I earn 5.50 an hour, but I still work term-time only, because childcare costs 4 an hour and I have two children.

I could claim child tax credits, but I would have to notify my change of circumstances every holiday, and again when my children go back to school.

There has to be an easier way than spending hours on the phone plus the paperwork.

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