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Many thousands of students are bringing up children while they study, so you are in a common situation. In fact, many universities and colleges run their own nurseries or crèches, which may be cheaper than other places offering childcare, though there may be a waiting list as places are often limited. Ask the university or college if they have nursery or crèche places, and if they are available for full-time or part-time students.
University holidays usually coincide with school holidays except for half-terms, but you will need to check to make sure that you can get childcare for after school and during holidays. Some university students’ unions run play schemes in school half-terms.
You can find out the names and addresses of other local childcare facilities from your local authority or public library. The local authority inspects playgroups, nurseries, private nursery schools and registered childminders to make sure they are up to standard.
All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to free part-time education, but you will need to check locally that you can get a place.
Financial support
Extra financial help is available for full-time students with dependent children under 15, or dependent children under 17 with special needs, who are currently registered in approved childcare.
A breakdown of the types of support available is as follows:
Grants
The Childcare Grant helps with the costs associated with arranging childcare. The maximum Childcare Grant payable for students is shown below:
Students with one child - £148.75 per week
Students with two or more children - £255 per week
The Parents' Learning Allowance helps with costs related to your course, such as books and travel. The maximum payable is currently £1,508 a year.
How much you get depends on your household income and, for the Childcare Grant, the actual costs of your childcare. It is paid on top of the standard student finance package, and does not have to be paid back.
Child Tax Credits
You may also be able to claim Child Tax Credit from HM Revenue & Customs The amount you get will depend on your personal circumstances and income. This does not include money from the Childcare Grant or Parents' Learning Allowance.
Access to Learning FundYou may also be able to claim extra help through the Access to Learning fund if you find yourself in financial difficulty during your course. This is distributed at the discretion of the institution, but students with children - and especially lone parents - are a priority for the fund.
For more information and to apply for financial support, visit:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Extrahelp
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