I think technically it should be a local authority, especially as it would then still fall under all the appropriate chain of safeguarding, curriculum and Ofsted requirements. However, I do feel that the MOD has a duty to supplement childcare costs/assist in other ways it sees fit (especially as many families move where they are requested and cannot choose based on affordability). For example my last nursery was £30 for a day (7.30-6pm) the nursery available to me now is £62 for the same. I had to leave my secure permanent contract as a teacher to move 400 miles across country with my husband for his job and now I cannot afford to go back to work. Therefore my career and our joint income suffer. We are not alone in this.


I believe it is the responsibility of the Local Authority but I think the MOD should do more to support families with access to nursery provision, particularly when you living so far from the extended family network who would otherwise help out.


It cannot be the sole responsibility of the MOD to provide childcare, but with the inherent moves and marked local market/economy differences across the country, there must be some responsibility to try and make sure the costs are consistent across the various posts.


More remote areas needs some input from MOD


I work as a midwife and have moved my family around the country for 10 years to support my husband in his career and to keep our family together. This has had a huge impact on my ability to gain permanent positions with the NHS. I have a two year old and eight year old. We are in Scotland so the youngest won’t start school till age 5. As we both work we don’t qualify for free early childcare. My current childcare bill is 700 to 800 pounds a month. I work shift and only part time. In the summer holidays my bill rises to 1200 to 1300 pounds a month as they both need all day care. My employer has recently offered me a full time post permanent but due to childcare bills I can’t afford to take it on. Instead I work three days then overtime on a ward at weekends whilst husband is at home to care for the children. We would like a third child but can’t afford it as the childcare is so high. My husband has three years left to serve and we are trying to save to buy a property.


www.raf-ff.org.uk


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