Just a quick question about child are.
Here in Scotland it's very pricey and I use a childminder for my three children. What are the options in perth? Do people tend to use childminders or nursery's and what kind of prices do people charge. It will be a major factor for my family having three young children.
Thanks
Kelly xxxx

Yes, people use childcare in Perth.

The first thing you need to look at is what visa you're going to be coming on. If you're on a 457 (sponsored visa) you're not going to be eligible for any family tax breaks, so will be paying full price. With 3 kids you will likely be looking at a couple of hundred $ per day.

Again, sort out the visa situation first before thinking about stuff like child care and jobs.

Yes I am aware people use childcare in Perth!!
I was just wondering what the done thing was some countries sway more to nursery's while others childminders and haven't a clue the prices that might be charged.
The reason I am asking is because we know we should be able to get our visa, but I don't want to spend a fortune on visa to only find out after we can't work there because we haven't enough time to get qualified or can't afford the childcare once there. I'm just looking for advice to make sure this a viable option for my family and exploring and researching all aspects!

I found this on google - http://www.careforkids.com.au/articl...icle.asp?ID=77

I'm not sure of childcare to be honest, but there may be some benefits available as well so you check the Centrelink site too - Childcare rebate - http://www.humanservices.gov.au/cust...ld-care-rebate - and other benefits such as family tax.

What ages are your children, and what visa do you expect to come over on?

Thank you old sparkle those links are very helpful. My children by the time we move will be 2 yrs, 3 yrs and 7 yrs. so my eldest will be in school x

Still likely to be very expensive for childcare, but you may be able to get some help. Are you both planning on working fulltime?

Yeh in my job we have to provide a 24 hr service so usually have to work on a shift system. My husband works in the oil industry so hopefully getting over with his job x

Given what you would have to pay in childcare, would it be worth you working full time though? If you work shifts and OH is FIFO / DIDO, I would have thought it would be difficult to find childcare outside of normal hours

You're welcome.

Another for the ignore list I think.

I'd buy you a real one if I could!

A previous thread on childcare http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...light=vacation, there would be a few more as this is something often asked about.

Thank you

I tried to send you some childcare info in a pm - not sure if it worked.

Dorothy,

Your answer was spot-on except for the first line.

Let's try to remember what's it was like to move another country. Remember the days when we came here asking the obvious because of the stress? We needed to know that we had virtual friends on the other side of the world who would help us quickly figure it out, whatever it was.

OP, my wife works in childcare in a kinder in VIC. She's a NNEB, or qualified childcare worker as she is called in Aus. She has worked in the day care sector and kinder but rates kinder as a better environment for the kids. There is more of a learning environment in kinder and she gets to interact more with the kids. It's closer to the UK way, in her mind. Some of her kids are 4 going on 40! Excellent stories.

Getting the kids into kinder is like getting the kids into school - do the rounds, see who has places and decide which one you like. The kinders are used to new parents rocking up and enjoy the opportunity to "sell" the kinder.

The kids just get on with it. While you are still stressed out, the kids will be inviting new friends over and going to parties. This is good as you get to meet the parents.

http://www.careforkids.com.au/child-care/perth this should give you ideas.

Ian

We all remember what it was like, thats why we still hang around BE trying to pass on our experiences and knowledge