We have created a special area for Loan Parents on Mum and Working - inspired by the huge response we have had about work that is suitable for one parent familes.

Financial Help - Studying

If you would like to go back to college to learn something new or brush up old skills, what help is there available? Mum and Working has looked at some of the help and support that is available to parents wanting to return to studying.

If I go back to college, who will look after my children? What financial help is available for childcare?

Most colleges provide basic childcare facilities to accommodate children up to five years old during term time. They offer quality childcare and education for your child whilst you study on full- or part-time courses. To secure a place at the college nursery you must apply early as possible.

If you cannot get a place at the college nursery, look at other childcare facilities in your local area, such as:

• local créche facilities
• registered childminders
• private nurseries

You may be eligible for up to 85% of your childcare fees paid for through a Childcare Grant. The amount you will be eligible for will depend on your income. It is also based on the actual costs of your registered or approved childcare. It covers childcare costs during term times and holidays.

Maximum amounts available:

One child - £148.75 a week, (85% of actual costs up to £175 a week)

Two or more children - £255 a week, (85% of actual costs up to £300 a week)

For more information, and how to apply visit - www.www.direct.gov.uk/EducationAndLearning

I've heard college courses are very expensive...can I get any help with fees?

There is financial help available for paying your fees. It may vary within different Local Education Authorities (LEA's), so it is worth contacting them or the college guidance service at the college you would like to attend directly to double check any of the information below

• The Care to Learn fund is financial help for young mothers between the ages of 16 and 18 who wish to start a college course. Childcare grants are only available for full-time students with children or adult dependants in registered and approved childcare. The amount you get will depend on your personal circumstances. You will not get this grant if you receive The Lone Parents' Grant or if you claim the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit from the Inland Revenue. You can apply for this grant before or during your course.

  The fund is not means-tested and will provide up to £5,125 per child per year for:

  • Registered childcare
  • Additional travel costs
  • Childcare during private study time
  • Retainer childcare fees

  To apply, You must complete a Care to Learn Registration form. This form is available from Connexions, Student Advice and Guidance, and inside the Care to Learn Leaflet and from the DfES leaflet. There is a helpline: 0845 600 2809. All calls are charged at the local rate.

• The Parents' Learning Allowance is help towards course-related costs for full-time students who have dependent children. How much you get depends on your income and personal or family circumstances. The grant can be worth up to £1,400 per year. Jobcentre Plus will not count this grant when they work out your benefit entitlement. You will not get this grant if you receive the Lone Parents' Grant.
• The Lone Parents' Grant is available to full-time, single-parent students who do not receive the Childcare Grant or the Parents' Learning Allowance. How much you get depends on your personal circumstances. The Lone Parents’ Grant covers 52 weeks of the year from the first day of the academic year of your course.
• Child Tax Credit from the Inland Revenue may be available to students with dependent children. It is paid to parents whether or not they are working or studying. To get this you must be between 16 and 18 years old and be in full-time education or registered with the career services. Child Tax Credit at a higher rate may be available to parents with disabled children or children under one year old. The money you get depends on your circumstances and you can make a claim at any time.

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One of the main things to bear in mind when thinking about returning to college is that is doesn't mean you will be cut-off from your current benefits. Many of the grants and funding that is available has no effect on your benefit amount at all, and will top-up existing support to make sure you are covered for childcare.

The best place to start when thinking about starting a course is either a talk with your local Local Education Authority or with a Lone Parent Advisor at the JobCentre.

Useful Links

www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport