volunteer work

[scally_wag]

I am a mother of two pre-school children but would like to do some volunteer work in a school setting.  Does anyone know if there is a way of getting my childcare expenses paid for while undergoing voluntary work?  I have no family locally and no friends that would be able to look after them for me.

[Hgrove]

Sadly, I don't think there is.  I know lots of people in a similar situation to yours, and many cannot afford to work (never mind doing voluntary work) because of the childcare costs.  I know one person who did a PGCE refresher course (she used to be a teacher before she had children) and she received a grant, or bursary, and childcare expenses during the three month refresher, but I gather that is not your exactly your situation.  Many of the mums I know get jobs as playgroup or classroom assistants once the children are in school or playgroup; it's the only way you don't lose all your earnings in childcare.  I hope someone else knows something I don't know.