Share your story: What will you pay for childcare?

What do you expect to pay for childcare this year? Do you regard it as value for money? Have prices gone up in your area, and if so, by how much? Is the cost of childcare forcing you to rethink your working life or causing pressure at home?

A recent survey revealed that, on average, parents pay out nearly €800 per month per child for childcare, but costs vary widely across the country.

The Government has indicated that Budget 2023 will offer help to struggling parents, while a €221 million scheme for childcare providers will set minimum rates of pay across the sector and aims to ensure no price increases this year or next.

But what’s the situation now like as schools return? We’d like to hear about your experiences of the cost of all forms of care — from creche fees to after-school clubs to private childminders or qualified nannies.

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Briefly tell us about your experiences using this form and remember to say where in the country you are.

Please limit your submissions to 400 words or less. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission. You can include a photograph if you wish, but it is not essential.

A journalist may be in touch to follow up and arrange an interview that would appear as part of a longer article.