Well you could explain to them that you need time to arrange childcare etc & compromise & start in March. If you think that's do able.

they would ideally like me to start start of feb i just dont think it gives me enough time to sort childcare plus ill miss her but i need to be working as was made redundant 3 weeks prior to xmas :( im torn @sara-lou

Are they wanting you to start now then? Anyway you can barter with them a little about starting date??