Reducing childcare costs for separated parents

The think tank Social Market Foundation has found that families are set to see childcare costs rise by up to £1,400 per year by 2015. This is unwelcome news to families already suffering welfare cuts and increasing living costs. Those who will be worst hit are poorer families, with a 62% rise in the amount they will have to pay out. Many parents will have to choose whether to stay at work and keep up childcare payments, or stay at home.

So what can separated parents do to reduce childcare costs? For a start, good co-parenting and communication between exes can help to lighten the burden of childcare on one parent. Although you are no longer partners, you are still parents, and by working together to form parent plans and strategies you will ensure not just the wellbeing of your children, but also reduce the costs of childcare by sharing parenting fairly.

Communicate about the best ways you can fit in time with your children around your work schedule. Job hours can be hard to work around, so sit down together as parents and form a parenting plan - see our advice for making one here. If you have no flexibility in your job, think about ways you can plan your evenings and weekends to fit in childcare. Compromising and working around your schedules can help you save money on childcare and allows you both more time with the children.

Another way separated parents can cut the costs of childcare is by calling on extended family (such as grandparents) to provide a helping hand. If you are lucky enough to have family living nearby, ask for their help in looking after the children. Evidence suggests that grandparents play an important role in helping children deal with their parents separating, so having them around to help out could  be beneficial for both you and your children. You could  also ask friends to help out once in a while, and share childcare duties or school runs with other separated parents

Remember, you may also qualify for child benefit and/or tax credits, which can help you out financially. Find out if you are suitable here.